An argument for orogastric tubes during caesarean section

Abstract

Routine orogastric aspiration of stomach contents during general anaesthesia for caesarean section was recommended in the latest triennial report on maternal deaths. We conducted a postal survey which revealed that the majority of obstetric units do not follow this guideline. Following the report, we aspirated the stomach contents of all our patients undergoing general anaesthesia for caesarean section and analysed the aspirate volume and pH. Despite routine antacid prophylaxis, a large proportion of our emergency patients remain at risk for aspiration pneumonia. We thus concur with the recommendation that the stomach should be aspirated during general anaesthesia for emergency caesarean section.