The time to perform spinal or general anaesthesia in COVID-19 positive parturients requiring emergency caesarean delivery: a prospective crossover simulation study

Background: Spinal anaesthesia is the commonest performed technique for caesarean deliveries except in emergency setting where general preferred due to its rapid onset and predictability. There are several modifications performing COVID-19 patients Australia. We hypothesised that performance time of these techniques amongst specialist anaesthetists would be similar parturients undergoing delivery. Methods: designed a simulation cross-over study. The primary outcome was taken perform or spinal this setting. also examined decision-making process time, decision incision level stress associated with both scenarios. Results: Nine participated research. no difference (mean (GA–SA scenario) –1.2 (–5.3–2.8) minutes, p = 0.5). Irrespective group allocation mean complete scenario 27.4 (standard deviation 7.8) while 24.0 (7.2) minutes. between times –3.5 95th percent confidence interval –9.7–2.8 0.24). evidence carryover effect two scenarios based on (p 0.69) significant levels 0.44). Conclusions: confirmed parturient environment.