Double-space combined spinal-epidural technique for elective caesarean section: a review of 10 years’ experience in a UK teaching maternity unit

Abstract

It is known, that the use of combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSEA) in obstetrics is associated with less analgesia failures and conversion to general anesthesia (GA), as compared with spinal anesthesia (SA) or epidural anesthesia (EA). It is also known, that double-space combined spinal-epidural technique is associated with less failures than “needle through needle” technique. However data about the influence of these techniques on changes in anesthesia plans to the general anaesthesia has not been earlier presented. Authors presented a review of their 10-year practical experience of the double-space CSEA use for elective cesarean section. Results of this retrospective study showed, that use of the double-space CSEA is associated with less conversion to GA, as compared with “needle through needle” CSEA.

Keywords

combined spinal-epidural anesthesia / spinal anesthesia / general anesthesia / accident puncture of dura mater / post puncture headache / epidural blood patch

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