Effect of induction of general anesthesia for cesarean section on intervillous blood flow.

Intervillous blood flow was measured by a new intravenous 133Xe method before and during induction of general anesthesia for cesarean section in 10 healthy mothers. The flow values showed a highly significant decrease (p less than 0.001) (35 per cent on an average) at the time of anesthesia compared with the control values. The impairment was observed in all the cases. The role of the maternal changes in hemodynamic parameters and acid-base balance as a background of this decrease is discussed.