Effect of morphine-diazepam on signs of anesthesia, awareness, and dreams of patients under N2O for cesarean section

Abstract

Morphine (0.2 mg/kg) and diazepam (0.1 mg/kg) were injected IV after delivery of the fetus in 68 parturients undergoing cesarean section (CS). General anesthesia was with thiamylal-N2O-O2 (4:2) and muscle relaxant. Twenty-four to 36 hours postoperatively, 1 patient had recall, 1 had unpleasant dreams, and 2 had pleasant dreams. The incidence of recall and unpleasant dreams was 3.8 percent in elective CS and 0 percent in emergency cesareans. Morphine-diazepam combination caused anterograde and retrograde amnesia. During the cesarean, movement of patient, size of pupils, or changes in blood pressure were not indicative of awareness or dreams. During anesthesia, 33 percent O2 produced adequate oxygenation of mother and fetus.