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EP014 Spinal anesthesia for emergency cesarean section in a parturient with placenta praevia abruption

rapm · 2025-09-10 · canonical JSON source

15 visible annotations · policy: published · automated confidence ≥ 75.00%

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Background and Aims Placenta praevia with concurrent placental abruption is a rare, high-risk obstetric emergency typically managed with general anesthesia due to the potential for massive hemorrhage and hemodynamic instability. However, recent oral intake can elevate the risk of aspiration, complicating general anesthesia. This case highlights the successful use of spinal anesthesia providing insight into a potentially safer anesthetic approach under these circumstances.Methods A 34-year-old primigravida at 33 weeks with diagnosed placenta praevia was admitted for observation following painless vaginal bleeding. On hospital day 7, she developed sudden abdominal pain and uterine tenderness. Ultrasound confirmed placental abruption. Due to fetal distress and maintained maternal stability, an emergency cesarean section was indicated. The patient had eaten a light meal an hour prior, increasing aspiration risk. Given her stable vitals and absence of coagulopathy, spinal anesthesia was chosen.A subarachnoid block was administered with a 25G pencil-point needle at the L3-L4 interspace using 15 mg hyperbaric ropivacaine and 20 µg fentanyl, with full preparation for blood transfusion and general anesthesia if needed.Results A T4 sensory level was achieved, and surgery proceeded without complications. Estimated blood loss was 1,500 mL, the patient received 1 unit each of packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma. A healthy neonate was delivered with Apgar scores of 9 and 10 at 1 and 5 minutes. The patient remained hemodynamically stable and had an uneventful postoperative recovery.Conclusions This case demonstrates that spinal anesthesia can be a viable and safe option in hemodynamically stable patients with placenta praevia complicated by abruptio placentae. This approach avoids the risks of airway manipulation and aspiration, particularly in parturients with recent food intake. With careful assessment and appropriate multidisciplinary support, spinal anesthesia can offer benefits over general anesthesia, even in high-risk obstetric emergencies.