Management of Epidural Analgesia in Childbirth [antikvár]

This book has been written primarily to assist and inform midwives and doctors who are involved in the maintenance of epidural analgesia during childbirth. It is to be hoped that it will also be of value to those doctors who are learning the in- tricacies and technique of epidural analgesia. Originally this text was printed in a smaller version for use in the Nottingham City Hospital Maternity Unit. As a consul- tant in charge of obstetric analgesia in a large maternity unit, it is difficult to train frequently changing junior doctors and midwives in the technique of epidural analgesia. Lectures and the experience gained in the labour suite are the principal methods of teaching and a book such as this can reinforce the principles and standards which are so important for a safe epidural service in obstetrics. Topping up of the epidural block should always be carried out by medical staff who are thoroughly educated in all the possible effects of the dose of local anaesthetic that they are administering. It is only by paying great attention to detail that epidural analgesia can be both safe and effective. This efficiency and safety must be based on sound teaching and a source of reference in the event of difficulties. In the section about caesarean section the word anaesthesia has been used instead of analgesia since the normal termin- ology refers to local anaesthetics and not local analgesics. However anaesthesia should strictly be confined to a state of complete loss of sensation.