Background & objectives: This study was designed to compare the effect of general and spinal anesthesia on hemoglobin and hematocrit values in women following cesarean section.

Methods: This clinical trial study performed on 88 ASA class 1 pregnant women who were candidate for elective cesarean. Forty six patients received general anesthesia with isoflorane 0.75, N₂O 50% and O₂ and also 42 patients received spinal anesthesia with 12 mg of bupivacaine. The patients with a systemic disease or other causes of intraoperative excessive bleeding were excluded. All the operations were performed by same surgeon. Pre- and post-operative Hb and HCT values and Apgar score were recorded in both groups.

Results: Previous cesarean section history was the cause of surgery in 21 patients in group one and 22 patients in group two. Both groups were similar in age, weight, height and parity. The preoperative mean Hb or HCT values did not differ significantly between two groups. In both groups, postoperative mean Hb and HCT values were decreased significantly. Postoperative Hb and Hct reduction was significantly higher in general anesthesia group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between two groups regarding Apgar score.

Conclusion: This study showed higher postoperative Hb and Hct reduction in general anesthesia than spinal anesthesia.