Premium
Epidural analgesia for elective Caesarean section
Author(s) -
THORBURN J.,
MOIR D. D.
Publication year - 1980
Publication title -
anaesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.839
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1365-2044
pISSN - 0003-2409
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2044.1980.tb03711.x
Subject(s) - medicine , caesarean section , anesthesia , vomiting , elective caesarean section , bupivacaine , complication , surgery , nausea , general anaesthesia , pregnancy , genetics , biology
Summary A technique is described of epidural anaesthesia for elective Caesarean section which has a 98% success rate, and an acceptably low incidence of intra‐operative pain. The essentials of the technique are to produce and maintain complete sensory block front S5 to T6, employing a two‐stage injection of bupivacaine 0–5% (mean dose 23 ml) and the use of gravity to ensure sacral block. Despite the use of pre‐operative fluid loading and avoidance of caval occlusion, transitory hypotension occurred in 16% of patients. Vomiting, which occurred in 18% of patients, is a minor but distressing complication.