Epidural anesthesia in cesarean section: indications and benefits

When there is a question about the choice of anesthesia in the case of pregnant women, a number of indicators are taken into account, blood tests and ultrasound are performed, risk factors and pathological conditions of the future mother and fetus are determined. Epidural anesthesia with caesarean section is most in demand for medical luminaries. And this is not surprising: unlike general anesthesia, this method has fewer risks of complications and contraindications.

Epidural anesthesia during caesarean section excludes cardiac depression and aspiration because there is no need to use the endotracheal tube, maintains respiratory function at the natural level and has a deep analgesic effect. With all these advantages, the patient is conscious and able to communicate adequately.

Epidural anesthesia with caesarean section provides almost complete relaxation of the abdominal wall, as a result of which all the necessary measures associated with the extraction of the fetus by surgical intervention can be carried out completely unhindered. The postoperative period is much easier, during the first day, the reception of painkillers is indicated. Recovery of patients and return to normal life is faster.

Epidural anesthesia for caesarean section is prescribed for certain medical indications. For example, in cases when it is necessary to preserve the spontaneity of respiration (with lung diseases), with myasthenia and other pathological processes in the tissues of smooth muscles, in the absence of the possibility of using potent drugs and relaxants, without which general anesthesia is not enough.

Not without contraindications, such as shock conditions, bleeding, fetal hypoxia, DVS-syndrome, atrioventricular blockade of the second and higher degrees, lesions of the spinal cord, spine and CNS of organic origin, intolerance of drugs used for anesthesia.

Epidural method of anesthesia refers to the regional types of anesthesia. In this type there is another type - spinal anesthesia. The species differ in the time interval between the onset of anesthesia and its duration. The place of administration of drugs is also different, although the needle is inserted equally into the spinal canal. With spinal anesthesia, the drug substance is injected into the spinal space, which is surrounded by a hard shell. When epidurally, the drug is injected between the spinal space and the ligamentous apparatus of the spine. Spinal anesthesia with caesarean section can be used in the absence of contraindications and possible complications. If the prolonged course of the operation is expected, preference is given to epidural anesthesia. The duration of its action is somewhat longer. In both types, the possibility of sensation and movement of the lower extremities and the body in the pelvic and abdominal regions is equally blocked.

Many women with whom epidural anesthesia has been chosen for cesarean delivery, the reviews leave positive. Some had the opportunity to compare the effects of general anesthesia done in the past, and this type of anesthesia. They noted the rapid onset of anesthetic action, the possibility of communication during the operation and the happiness to see your baby immediately after extraction. Rapid recovery of the body is also one of the main advantages of this type of anesthesia.