Comparing Noise Levels in Elective and Emergency Cesarean Deliveries: A Prospective Observational Study
Lavanya Kaparti, J Sindhu, Ankitha Sunand, M RaviAbstract
Background:
Operating room noise adversely affects communication, team performance, and patient safety. Emergency cesarean deliveries require rapid coordination among multiple personnel and may generate higher noise levels than elective procedures.
Aims:
To compare noise levels between emergency and elective cesarean deliveries across different procedural time points.
Materials and Methods:
This prospective observational study was conducted at a medical college hospital. Noise levels were measured using a calibrated mobile application during 162 cesarean deliveries (135 emergency and 27 elective) performed under neuraxial anesthesia in ASA II patients. Measurements were recorded at six predefined time points: anesthesia provider entry, surgical timeout, neuraxial block administration, skin incision, baby extraction, and skin closure. Noise levels were averaged over 30-second intervals. Data were analyzed using mixed-effects ANOVA with Bonferroni correction, and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of high noise levels.
Results:
Emergency cesarean deliveries showed significantly higher noise levels than elective procedures at all time points (overall mean 61.9 ± 5.2 dB vs. 57.0 ± 4.1 dB;
Conclusion:
Emergency cesarean deliveries generate significantly higher operating room noise than elective procedures, consistently exceeding recommended limits. Targeted noise-reduction strategies are required, particularly during critical procedural phases, to improve communication and patient safety in obstetric operating rooms.