Cesarean delivery: Clinical updates

Abstract

This article offers a comprehensive clinical update on best practices for neuraxial and general anesthesia in cesarean delivery, the most frequently performed major surgical procedure globally. Current evidence-based strategies to address common anesthetic challenges, such as maternal hypotension and intraoperative breakthrough pain, are discussed in detail. Practical approaches for optimizing maternal hemodynamic stability, including the use of vasopressors, fluid management and maternal positioning, are reviewed. Additionally, the article explores best practices for general anesthesia, with an emphasis on new approaches to prolonging safe apnea time, rapid sequence induction and difficult airway management.

Keywords: Airway: preoxygenation; Anesthesia: spinal; Cesarean; Epidural; General; Hemodynamics: hypotension; Intubation; Vasopressors.