# Anesthetic Practices for Lower Segment Cesarean Section in the Sultanate of Oman: A National Survey

## TL;DR

This study surveyed anesthetic practices for cesarean sections in Oman and found significant variation from international guidelines.

## Contribution

The study provides the first national survey on obstetric anesthesia practices in Oman.

## Key findings

- Only 69.7% of anesthesiologists practiced labor analgesia.
- Most respondents did not follow international recommendations for oxytocin use.
- There was low compliance with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways.

## Abstract

Background

Over the years, obstetric anesthesia has evolved into a comprehensive sub-specialty. Several countries have their guidelines and recommendations for obstetric anesthesia. This survey aimed to describe the current obstetric anesthesia practices in the Sultanate of Oman by performing a questionnaire-based survey.

Methods

The Ministry of Health-Centre approved the survey for Studies and Research, Sultanate of Oman (MOH-CSR/25057). A Google Form with 25 questions (seven general questions and 18 specific questions) was initially shared in a WhatsApp group of members of the Oman Society of Anaesthesia and Critical Care (OSACC). Anesthesiologists who were not members were contacted directly and responses were recorded.

Results

Responses were accepted until midnight on December 31, 2023. The number of responses received was 66. Variations in practices like less compliance to Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways, use of oxytocin, and choice of intrathecal opioids were observed. Labor analgesia was not practiced by 30.3% of respondents. The majority of respondents did not follow international recommendations regarding the use of the uterotonic drug oxytocin.

Conclusion

A lot of heterogeneity in the practice of obstetric anesthesia in the Sultanate of Oman was observed. The limitations included the relatively low number of responses and many aspects that were missed in the survey. The findings of this survey will help in establishing a national task force for obstetric anesthesia, which will guide the members of the task force to develop practice guidelines based on international recommendations and the latest evidence.