Neuraxial anesthesia versus general anesthesia for cesarean delivery: Maternal and neonatal outcomes

Cesarean delivery is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures worldwide, and uncertainty persists regarding the optimal anesthetic technique to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence comparing neuraxial and general anesthesia for cesarean delivery using data from major biomedical databases. Available evidence indicates that neuraxial anesthesia is associated with lower maternal morbidity, fewer anesthesia-related complications, and generally more favorable neonatal outcomes, including higher Apgar scores and reduced need for resuscitation or NICU admission. General anesthesia, although essential in specific emergency situations or when neuraxial techniques are contraindicated, is linked to increased maternal risks and certain neonatal respiratory complications. Overall, neuraxial anesthesia remains the preferred technique for most cesarean deliveries, while further prospective studies with standardized long-term outcomes are required to optimize anesthetic decision-making.