Why is the labor epidural rate low and cesarean delivery rate high? A survey of Chinese perinatal care providers

Objective

China has a high cesarean delivery (CD) and low labor epidural analgesia (LEA) rate. This online survey was conducted to explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and potential solutions.

Methods

A voluntary, anonymous survey was distributed via both WeChat and professional websites for 4 months amongst groups of Chinese perinatal professionals. Data was collected and analyzed using a Chi-square test and presented as percentages of respondents.

Results

1412 respondents were recorded (43% anesthesiologists, 35% obstetricians, 15.5% midwives or labor and delivery nurses, and 6.5% others), and 1320 respondents were care providers. It was found that 82.7% (1092/1320) of the provider respondents used CD per patient request in fear of lawsuits or yinao/yibao and 63.4% (837/1320) used CD for respecting superstitious culture. The number one reason (noted by 60.2% (795/1320) of all the three specialties) for low LEA use was lack of anesthesia manpower without statistical difference among specialties. The most recommended solution was increasing the anesthesia workforce, proposed by 79.8% (1053/1320) of the three specialties. However, the top solution provided by the two non-anesthesia specialties is different from the one proposed by anesthesiologists. The later (83%, 504/606) suggested increasing the incentive to provide the service is more effective. The answers to questions related to medical knowledge about CD and LEA, and unwillingness of anesthesiologists, parturients and their family members to LEA were similar for the most part, while the opinions regarding low LEA use related to poor experiences and unwillingness of obstetricians and hospital administrators were significantly divided among the three specialties. In the providers’ point of view, the unwillingness to LEA from parturient’s family members was the most salient (26.1%, 345/1320), which is more than all care providers, hospital administrators, and parturients themselves (16.8%, 222/1320).

Conclusion

The reasons for high CD rate and low LEA use are multifactorial. The sociological issues (fear of yinao/yibao and superstitious culture) were the top two contributing factors for the high CD rate in China, while lack of anesthesia manpower was the top response for the low LEA use, which contributes to its being the most recommended solution overall from the three specialties. An incentive approach to providers is a short-term solution while training more perinatal care providers (especially among anesthesiologists and midwives), improving billing systems, and reforming legal systems are 3 systemic approaches to tackling this problem in the long-term.

Risk factors of postpartum stress urinary incontinence in primiparas: What should we care

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common clinical postpartum complication. It is necessary to explore the risk factors of postpartum SUI in primiparas to provide evidence support for preventing and reducing the occurrence of SUI.Primiparas who were delivered in our hospital from March 2019 to October 2020 were identified, the personal information and related treatment details of SUI and no-SUI primiparas were collected and analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the risk factors of postpartum SUI in primiparas.A total of 612 primiparas were included, the incidence of SUI in primiparas was 32.03%. There were significant differences in the body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy, diabetes, abortion, delivery method, newborn's weight, epidural anesthesia, and duration of second stage of labor (all P < .05) between SUI and no-SUI group, and there were no significant differences in the age, BMI at admission, hypertension and hyperlipidemia SUI and no-SUI group (all P > .05). Logistic regression analyses indicated that BMI before pregnancy ≥24 kg/m2 (odds ratio [OR]: 2.109, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.042-4.394), diabetes (OR: 2.250, 95% CI: 1.891-3.544), abortion history (OR: 3.909, 95% CI: 1.187-5.739), vaginal delivery (OR: 2.262, 95% CI: 1.042-4.011), newborn's weight ≥3 kg (OR: 1.613, 95% CI: 1.095-2.316), epidural anesthesia (OR: 2.015, 95% CI: 1.226-3.372), and duration of second stage of labor ≥90 minutes (OR: 1.726, 95% CI: 1.084-2.147) were the risk factors of postpartum SUI in primiparas (all P < .05).The clinical incidence of SUI in primiparas is relatively high. In clinical practice, medical staff should conduct individualized early screening for those risk factors, and take prevention measures to reduce the occurrence of SUI.

Anesthesia concerns in prostate brachytherapy: An institutional experience

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is a common cancer found in men worldwide. Brachytherapy is an established modality used for the treatment of these patients. Although anesthetic management of such patients is challenging but the ideal anesthetic technique has not yet been established. Our study aims to identify the most efficacious anesthetic technique for perioperative management of prostate cancer patients undergoing brachytherapy.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of ten patients who underwent 16 brachytherapy sessions under combined spinal epidural (CSE) anesthesia between April 2016 and December 2016 was done. The data were collected, tabulated using MS Excel, and statistically analyzed with EPI Info 6 and SPSS-16 statistical software (SPSS Inc. Chicago, USA) to draw relative conclusions.

RESULTS

The median peak sensory dermatome level achieved was T6 and the median maximum motor block achieved was grade 2. The mean (± standard deviation (SD)) time to sensory regression to T10 (range T5-T8) dermatome was found to be 118.00 ± 47.110 (range = 0-238) minutes. Despite the presence of co-morbidities, minor intraoperative complications were observed only in two patients. The postoperative numerical rating scale (NRS) was less than 4 in all patients during the first 24 hours. None of our patients complained of nausea, vomiting, pruritus and respiratory depression. The mean (± SD) patient satisfaction score was 44.40 ± 0.871 (range : 1-5) at the end of 24 hours.

CONCLUSIONS

CSE anesthesia is a safe and effective technique for anesthetic management of patients undergoing prostate brachytherapy.

Women's satisfaction with the birthing experience in relation to duration of labour, obstetric interventions and mode of birth

OBJECTIVE

To study the influence of the duration of labour on women's satisfaction with their birthing experience.

STUDY DESIGN

All labours and births during a four-year period at a secondary level Hospital were included in a continuous audit of events and outcomes based on the Ten Group Classification System (TGCS). The women scored their overall satisfaction with their birth experience on an ordinal Visual Analog Scale.

RESULTS

1780 nulliparous women with a cephalic fetus at term and spontaneous onset of labour in TGCS Group 1 gave birth during the study period. 1716 had complete data on duration of labour and, of these, 1380 (80,4 %) rated their satisfaction with their birthing experience. Satisfaction with the birthing experience was significantly related to mode of birth, oxytocin augmentation, epidural anaesthesia and to duration of labour. Duration of labour and mode of birth had independent significant statistical effect on the satisfaction with the birthing experience.

CONCLUSION

Although various aspects of labour management are associated with a negative birth experience, the effect of prolonged labour is independently significant and measures taken to avoid prolonged labour could result in a net benefit to the woman's satisfaction.

Effects of Castration on Epidural Administration of Lidocaine-Tramadol in West African Dwarf (Wad) Goats

Epidural anesthesia is routinely used in ruminants for obstetric manipulations and caudal surgical procedures owing to complications associated with general anaesthesia in this species. Castration is a common farm practice for derived production benefits. The responses of a castrate to anaesthesia may differ from that of an intact animal because of possible anaesthetic-hormonal interplay. This study compared the anaesthetic indices, haemato- biochemical parameters (PCV, Hb, WBC, PLT, Na+, K+, Cl-, urea, creatinine, Cu2+) between castrated and intact goats subjected to epidural anaesthesia with tramadol-lidocaine mixture. Experimental animals were six West African Dwarf (WAD) goats (3 intact and 3 castrated bucks). The drugs were administered into the lumbosacral epidural space. Heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature at 15minutes interval for 90minutes and anaesthetic indices were taken. Blood was obtained for haematology and serum chemistry before drug administration and hourly thereafter for three hours. The onset of drug action in the castrated goats (1.7±0.9 min) compared well with that of the non-castrated goats (2.0±0.0min). However, the duration of analgesia was significantly shorter in the castrated goats (26.7±5.2min) than in the non-castrated goats (83.7±20.8 min), while the duration of recumbency was significantly longer in the castrated goats (23.3 ± 8. 6min) than in the non- castrates (14.8 ± 3.7min). Mean heart rates ranged between 96.0±6.1 to 116.0±16.2 beats/min for non- castrated goats and 94.7±14.8 to 121.0 ±8.1beats/min for the castrated goats. Mean respiratory rates ranged between 60.0±14.4 to 89.3±16.2 breaths/min and 61.0± 31.5 to 122.3±10.0 in the non -castrated and castrated goats respectively. Mean temperature ranged between 39.6±0.4 to 40.8±0.4°C in the non-castrated goats and 40.3±0.3 to 41.4±0.3°C in the castrated goats. Anaesthetic indices and haematobiological parameters were compared using Student's t-test, while physiological parameters were compared using ANOVA for repeated measures. There was reduction in pre-treatment values of some of the haematological, biochemical and hormonal values especially urea in the non- castrate (pre-treatment value-of 22±4.16 and 3-hour post treatment value of 13.3±0.33). The combination of tramadol-lignocaine epidurally is safe in castrate animals as well as in intact animals especially West African dwarf goats as there were no deleterious effects. However, further studies could combine adrenaline for prolonged recumbency when required.

The ERAS Protocol is at the forefront of the peri-operative pathway in colorectal surgery: monocentric clinical study

INTRODUCTION

Colon cancer is one of the most common neoplastic diseases, with onset in old age; the benefits of the ERAS protocol were evaluated in the peri-operative treatment of patients affected by this neoplasm.

METHODS

We studied 90 cases of colorectal neoplasia observed at the General Surgery UOC of the San Camillo de Lellis Hospital between September 2014 and April 2016, undergoing laparoscopic surgery and to which the ERAS protocol was applied; key points were the preoperative oral feeding, the epidural anesthesia, the reduced or failed hydro-electrolytic overload, the early mobilization and recovery of the feeding, the non-use of drainage. The most important parameers considered were the reduced duration of the operating hospital stay, the lower occurrence of early and distant complications.

RESULTS

85 surgical procedures were performed with laparoscopic technique (94.4%) and 5 with traditional open technique (5.6%). The conversion rate was 5.8% (5/85). 29 surgical procedures of right hemicolectomy (32.2%) and 26 of anterior resection of the rectum (28.9%) were performed; in another 29 patients (32.2%) an intervention with an open traditional technique was performed. A balanced anesthesia was performed in 41 patients (45.6%); epidural anesthesia in 32 cases (35.6%); the Tap Block in 17 subjects (18.9%). The average volume of liquid infusion was 1664cc ± 714; the average post-operative hospital stay of 4.3 ± 0.9 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The ERAS protocol reduces the duration of the post-operative hospitalization, involves a lower incidence of precocious and remote complications, in particular if associated with a minimally invasive surgical method; it is easily applicable and reproducible in a hospital environment, with a marked reduction in healthcare management costs.

Epidural needle insertion : A large registry analysis

BACKGROUND

Dural puncture, paraesthesia and vascular puncture are the most common complications of epidural catheter insertion. Their association with variation in midline needle insertion depth is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the risk of dural and vascular punctures and the unwanted events paraesthesia and multiple skin punctures related to midline needle insertion depth.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 14,503 epidural catheter insertions including lumbar (L1-L5; n = 5367), low thoracic (T7-T12, n = 8234) and upper thoracic (T1-T6, n = 902) insertions, were extracted from the German Network for Regional Anaesthesia registry between 2007 and 2015. The primary outcomes were compared with logistic regression and adjusted (adj) for confounders to determine the risk of complications/events. Results are presented as odds ratios (OR, [95% confidence interval]).

MAIN RESULTS

Midline insertion depth depended on body mass index, sex, and spinal level. After adjusting for confounders increased puncture depth (cm) remained an independent risk factor for vascular puncture (adjOR 1.27 [1.09-1.47], p = 0.002) and multiple skin punctures (adjOR 1.25 [1.21-1.29], p < 0.001). In contrast, dural punctures occurred at significantly shallower depths (adjOR 0.73 [0.60-0.89], p = 0.002). Paraesthesia was unrelated to insertion depth. Body mass index and sex had no influence on paraesthesia, dural and vascular punctures. Thoracic epidural insertion was associated with a lower risk of vascular puncture than at lumbar sites (adjOR 0.39 [0.18-0.84], p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Variation in midline insertion depth is an independent risk factor for epidural complications; however, variability precludes use of depth as a reliable guide to insertion in individual patients.

Variations in childbirth interventions in high-income countries: protocol for a multinational cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

There are growing concerns about the increase in rates of commonly used childbirth interventions. When indicated, childbirth interventions are crucial for preventing maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, but their routine use in healthy women and children leads to avoidable maternal and neonatal harm. Establishing ideal rates of interventions can be challenging. This study aims to describe the range of variations in the use of commonly used childbirth interventions in high-income countries around the world, and in outcomes in nulliparous and multiparous women.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This multinational cross-sectional study will use data from births in 2013 with national population data or representative samples of the population of pregnant women in high-income countries. Data from women who gave birth to a single child from 37 weeks gestation onwards will be included and the results will be presented for nulliparous and multiparous women separately. Anonymised individual level data will be analysed. Primary outcomes are rates of commonly used childbirth interventions, including induction and/or augmentation of labour, intrapartum antibiotics, epidural and pharmacological pain relief, episiotomy in vaginal births, instrument-assisted birth (vacuum or forceps), caesarean section and use of oxytocin postpartum. Secondary outcomes are maternal and perinatal mortality, Apgar score below 7 at 5 min, postpartum haemorrhage and obstetric anal sphincter injury. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses will be conducted to investigate variations among countries, adjusted for maternal age, body mass index, gestational weight gain, ethnic background, socioeconomic status and infant birth weight. The overall mean rates will be considered as a reference category, weighted for the size of the study population per country.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The Medical Ethics Review Committee of VU University Medical Center Amsterdam confirmed that an official approval of this study was not required. Results will be disseminated at national and international conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Assessment and support during early labour for improving birth outcomes

BACKGROUND

The progress of labour in the early or latent phase is usually slow and may include painful uterine contractions. Women may feel distressed and lose their confidence during this phase. Support and assessment interventions have been assessed in two previous Cochrane Reviews. This review updates and replaces these two reviews, which have become out of date.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effectiveness of assessment and support interventions for women during early labour.In order to measure the effectiveness of the interventions, we compared the duration of labour, the rate of obstetrical interventions, and the rate of other maternal or neonatal outcomes.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (31 October 2016) and reference lists of retrieved studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials of any assessment or support intervention in the latent phase of labour. We planned to include cluster-randomised trials if they were eligible. We did not include quasi-randomised trials.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked them for accuracy. We resolved any disagreement by discussion or by involving a third assessor. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We included five trials with a total of 10,421 pregnant women in this review update. The trials were conducted in the UK, Canada and America. The trials compared interventions in early labour versus usual care. We examined three comparisons: early labour assessment versus immediate admission to hospital; home visits by midwives versus usual care (telephone triage); and one-to-one structured midwifery care versus usual care. These trials were at moderate- risk of bias mainly because blinding women and staff to these interventions is not generally feasible. For important outcomes we assessed evidence using GRADE; we downgraded evidence for study design limitations, imprecision, and where we carried out meta-analysis, for inconsistency.One trial with 209 women compared early labour assessment with direct admission to hospital. Duration of labour from the point of hospital admission was reduced for women in the assessment group (mean difference (MD) -5.20 hours, 95% confidence interval (CI) -7.06 to -3.34; 209 women, low-quality evidence). There were no clear differences between groups for the number of women undergoing caesarean section or instrumental vaginal birth (risk ratio (RR) 0.72, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.72, very low quality evidence; and, RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.26, very low quality evidence, respectively). Serious maternal morbidity was not reported. Women in the early assessment group were slightly less likely to have epidural anaesthesia (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.98, low-quality evidence), and considerably less likely to have oxytocin for labour augmentation (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.86) and this group also had increased satisfaction with their care compared with women in the immediate admission group (MD 16.00, 95% CI 7.53 to 24.47). No babies were born before admission to hospital and only one infant had a low Apgar score at five minutes after the birth (very low quality evidence). Admission to neonatal special care was not reported.Three studies examined home assessment and midwifery support versus telephone triage. One trial reported the duration of labour; home visits did not appear to have any clear impact compared with usual care (MD 0.29 hours, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.72; 1 trial, 3474 women, low-quality evidence). There was no clear difference for the rate of caesarean section (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.17; 3 trials, 5170 women; I² = 0%; moderate-quality evidence) or the rate of instrumental vaginal birth (average RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.15; 2 trials, 4933 women; I² = 69%; low-quality evidence). One trial reported birth before arrival at hospital or unplanned home birth; there was no clear difference between the groups (RR 1.33, 95% CI 0.30 to 5.95; 1 trial, 3474 women). No clear differences were identified for serious maternal morbidity (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.42; 1 trial, 3474 women; low-quality evidence), or use of epidural (average RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.05; 3 trials, 5168 women; I² = 60%; low-quality evidence). There were no clear differences for neonatal admission to special care (average RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.42; 3 trials, 5170 infants; I² = 71%; very low quality evidence), or for Apgar score less than seven at five minutes after birth (RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.99; 3 trials, 5170 infants; I² = 0%; low-quality evidence).One study, with 5002 women, examined one-to-one structured care in early labour versus usual care. Length of labour was not reported. There were no clear differences between groups for the rate of caesarean section (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.02; 4996 women, high-quality evidence), or for instrumental vaginal birth (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.08; 4996 women, high-quality evidence). No clear differences between groups were reported for serious maternal morbidity (RR 1.13, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.52; 4996 women, moderate-quality evidence). Use of epidural was similar in the two groups (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.01; 4996 women, high-quality evidence). For infant outcomes, there were no clear differences between groups (admission to neonatal intensive care unit: RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.21; 4989 infants, high-quality evidence; Apgar score less than seven at five minutes: RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.79; 4989 infants, moderate-quality evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Assessment and support in early labour does not have a clear impact on rate of caesarean section or instrumental vaginal birth, or whether the baby was born before arrival at hospital or in an unplanned home birth. However, evidence suggested that interventions may have an impact on reducing the use of epidural anaesthesia, labour augmentation and on increasing maternal satisfaction with giving birth. Evidence about the effectiveness of early labour assessment versus immediate admission was very limited and more research is needed in this area.

Risk factors associated with adverse perinatal outcome in planned vaginal breech labors at term: a retrospective population-based case-control study

BACKGROUND

Vaginal breech delivery is associated with adverse perinatal outcome. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with adverse perinatal outcome in term breech pregnancies, and to provide clinicians an aid in selecting women for a trial of vaginal labor with the fetus in breech position.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, nationwide, Finnish population-based case-control study. All planned singleton vaginal deliveries at term with the fetus in breech position between the years 2005 and 2014 were analyzed. The study's end point was a composite set of adverse perinatal outcomes. All infants with an adverse outcome were compared to the infants with normal outcomes. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

An adverse perinatal outcome was recorded for 73 (1.5%) infants. According to the study results fetal growth restriction (adjusted odds ratio, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.30-6.67), oligohydramnios (adjusted odds ratio, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.15-7.18), a history of cesarean section (adjusted odds ratio, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.28-6.77, gestational diabetes (adjusted odds ratio, 2.89; 95% CI, 1.54-5.40), epidural anesthesia (adjusted odds ratio, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.29-3.75) and nulliparity (adjusted odds ratio, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.10-3.08) were associated with adverse perinatal outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Adverse perinatal outcome in planned vaginal breech labor at term is associated with fetal growth restriction, oligohydramnios, previous cesarean delivery, gestational diabetes, nulliparity and epidural anesthesia.

Italian Registry of Complications associated with Regional Anesthesia (RICALOR). An incidence analysis from a prospective clinical survey

BACKGROUND

Regional anesthesia (RA) is associated with many advantages, but side effects also occur. Several registries were developed to investigate such complications in many countries, which produced conflicting results. In consideration of the ongoing evolution and improvements in RA, and its widespread diffusion in Italy in the last decade (with increasing experience by anesthesiologists), a reappraisal of the incidence and the characteristics of major complications are useful to improve patient's safety.

METHODS

A web-based prospective registry was developed in Italy with: 1) quarterly report of total anesthetic acts and RA procedures performed; and 2) voluntary registration of complications on dedicated forms. We evaluated incidence of complications, describing their characteristics and outcomes.

RESULTS

Participants (N.=17 hospitals) registered 117,182 procedures, including 63,692 with RA (54.3%, both as primary anesthetic technique and for postoperative analgesia). A total of 34,147 neuraxial blocks (4954 epidurals/CSE, 29,193 subarachnoid blocks) and 29,545 peripheral (single shot and continuous) blocks were registered. Total incidence of complication was 4.6/10.000; incidence was 4.1/10,000 for central blocks and 5.1/10,000 for peripheral blocks, long-term neurologic deficit (at 6 months) was observed after an epidural abscess, while other complications did not lead to any long-term adverse outcomes. No hemorrhagic events or other infections have occurred. Incidence of major complications was 0.07/1000, while minor complications presented in 0.38/1000 cases.

CONCLUSIONS

We confirmed RA as generally safe, but monitoring and diagnosis, together with further research efforts, are needed to improve patients' care and clarify potential risk factors.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Mode of Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery

BACKGROUND

Racial and ethnic disparities have been identified in the provision of neuraxial labor analgesia. These disparities may exist in other key aspects of obstetric anesthesia care. We sought to determine whether racial/ethnic disparities exist in mode of anesthesia for cesarean delivery (CD).

METHODS

Women who underwent CD between 1999 and 2002 at 19 different obstetric centers in the United States were identified from the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network Cesarean Registry. Race/ethnicity was categorized as: Caucasian, African American, Hispanic, and Non-Hispanic Others (NHOs). Mode of anesthesia was classified as neuraxial anesthesia (spinal, epidural, or combined spinal-epidural anesthesia) or general anesthesia. To account for obstetric and non-obstetric covariates that may have influenced mode of anesthesia, multiple logistic regression analyses were performed by using sequential sets of covariates.

RESULTS

The study cohort comprised 50,974 women who underwent CD. Rates of general anesthesia among racial/ethnic groups were as follows: 5.2% for Caucasians, 11.3% for African Americans, 5.8% for Hispanics, and 6.6% for NHOs. After adjustment for obstetric and non-obstetric covariates, African Americans had the highest odds of receiving general anesthesia compared with Caucasians (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-1.8; P < 0.001). The odds of receiving general anesthesia were also higher among Hispanics (aOR = 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.3; P = 0.02) and NHOs (aOR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0-1.4; P = 0.03) compared with Caucasians, respectively. In our sensitivity analysis, we reconstructed the models after excluding women who underwent neuraxial anesthesia before general anesthesia. The adjusted odds of receiving general anesthesia were similar to those in the main analysis: African Americans (aOR = 1.7; 95% CI, 1.5-1.9; P < 0.001); Hispanics (aOR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.4; P = 0.006); and NHOs (aOR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0-1.5; P = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on data from the Cesarean Registry, African American women had the highest odds of undergoing general anesthesia for CD compared with Caucasian women. It is uncertain whether this disparity exists in current obstetric practice.

Provider Board Certification Status and Practice Patterns in Total Knee Arthroplasty

PURPOSE

The presumption that board certification directly affects the quality of clinical care is a topic of ongoing discussion in medical literature. Recent studies have demonstrated disparities in patient outcomes associated with type of anesthesia provided for total knee arthroplasty (TKA); improved outcomes are associated with neuraxial (or regional) versus general anesthesia. Whether board-certified (BC) and non-board-certified (nBC) anesthesiologists make different choices in the anesthetic they administer is unknown. The authors sought to study potential associations of board certification status with anesthesia practice patterns for TKA.

METHOD

The authors accessed records of anesthetics provided from 2010 to 2013 from the National Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry database. They identified TKA cases using Clinical Classifications Software and Current Procedural Terminology codes. The authors divided practitioners into two groups: those who were BC and those who were nBC. For each of these groups, the authors compared the following: their patient populations, the hospitals in which they worked, the nature of their practices, and the anesthetics they administered to their patients.

RESULTS

BC anesthesiologists provided care for 81.7% of 97,508 patients having TKA; 18.3% were treated by nBC anesthesiologists. BC anesthesiologists administered neuraxial/regional anesthesia more frequently than nBC anesthesiologists (41.4% versus 21.2%; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The rates at which regional/neuraxial anesthesia were administered for TKA were relatively low, and there were significant differences in practice patterns of BC and nBC anesthesiologists providing care for patients undergoing TKA. More research is necessary to understand the causes of these disparities.

Evolving pattern of spinal anaesthesia in stable eclamptic patients undergoing caesarean section at University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Eclampsia is still associated with high maternal and perinatal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, especially in resource poor countries with limited access to perinatal and critical care facilities. The ideal method of anaesthesia for caesarean section in eclamptics is not generally agreed upon.

METHODS

Review of the patients' case notes as well as records of the institution's Labour Ward Theatre, Intensive Care Unit and Postnatal Ward was carried out between January 2011 and December 2012. Patients' clinical and demographic data, anaesthetic management methods, maternal and perinatal outcome measures were evaluated and analysed.

RESULTS

Ninety-nine cases of eclampsia were reviewed, of which 87 had Caesarean section. After excluding five patients who had intercurrent medical ailments, 82 patients were finally analyzed. Of these, 65 (79.3%) had spinal anaesthesia while 17 (20.7%) had general anaesthesia. Out of the 19 (23.2%) who were transferred to the intensive care unit, 12 (70.6%) had general anaesthesia while 7 (10.8%) had spinal anaesthesia. Of the 17 patients who had general anaesthesia, 10 (58.8%) were ventilated post operatively versus only 2 (3.1%) in spinal anaesthesia. Nine of the 17 general anaesthesia patients (52.9%) versus only 1 of 65 spinal anaesthesia (1.5%) died in ICU. Apgar was two fold better in the spinal anaesthesia group at 5 minutes.There was a higher risk ratio for stillbirths in the general anaesthesia patients.

CONCLUSION

maternal and perinatal survival and well being are better in eclamptics who had spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section compared to those who had general anaesthesia.

Evolving pattern of anaesthesia for caesarean section experience at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital

BACKGROUND

The WHO puts caesarean section rate in Nigeria at 1.8%. This is much higher in teaching, specialist and referral hospitals. In our centre University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), the average annual rate is 33.4%. General anaesthesia is the predominant choice for caesarean section (C/S) in most centres. The trend is increasing towards regional anaesthesia. Many studies have reported the trend in several centres. This study examined the evolving pattern in our centre.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the evolving pattern of anaesthetic technique for caesarean section, at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A ten-year retrospective period (2001-2010), data were pooled from the computerized data system of the department of obstetrics and gynaecology. Also, anaesthetic chart and staff records from the department of anaesthesiology were studied. Information about C/S, anaesthetic method and anaesthetist profile were derived from these sources. The data were analysed and presented as simple frequency and nominal data.

RESULTS

Six thousand, six hundred and eleven C/S were done over the 10-year period. Emergency C/S was 82%, while 12% were elective cases. Average annual rate of anaesthetic technique used was regional anaesthesia 76.5% and general anaesthesia 23.5%. The use of regional anaesthesia grew from 30% in 2001, to 89% in 2010. Number of anaesthetists increased from 22 in 2001 to 37 in 2010.

CONCLUSION

The study shows an increasing use of regional anaesthesia for C/S, predominantly subarachnoid blockade.

[Fear-driven cesarean section on request]

Traditionally, women gave birth surrounded by other, experienced women. Modern women not only require continuous support during labor, but they also want to have a part in decision-taking. That is why some of them, regardless of how much or how little medical knowledge they have, want to decide about the way of birth on their own. The aim of this study was to find the underlying cause of the growing percentage of cesarean sections and cesarean sections on request and to find an answer to the question of what can be done to reduce that number.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A survey was conducted among 100 nulliparas between 38 and 40 week of pregnancy who were determined to give birth in a natural way, and among 50 nulliparas, in the same gestational age, who requested cesarean section.

RESULTS

The analysis of our survey shows that request for cesarean section in 12% of cases resulted from fear of labor pain, more than before were declared 2%. After they were informed about methods of reducing labor pain and guaranteed that those methods would be available, as many as 52% of pregnant women who had previously requested cesarean section changed their mind and wanted to give birth in a natural way (this could reduce cesarean section rate about 52%, p<0.05), and 42% (of the total) wanted to have epidural anesthesia.

CONCLUSIONS

Better access of pregnant women to information about pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods of reducing labor pain, coupled with the availability of those methods, can reduce the number of cesarean sections on request even by half. In the group of pregnant women determined to have cesarean section, one in four would give it up if they had access to epidural anesthesia, and one in ten if they had access to non-pharmacological methods of reducing labor pain (mainly acupuncture).

[Obstetric anesthesia in Catalonia, Spain]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The aim of this arm of the ANESCAT 2003 study was to describe obstetric anesthesia and analgesia practice in Catalonia, Spain.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Using information obtained from a survey of anesthesia performed in Catalonia in 2003, data was identified on anesthesia for obstetric procedures: labor, cesarean section, and others unrelated to childbirth. Patient characteristics were analyzed along with anesthetic techniques and the rates at which they are used in the population.

RESULTS

Obstetric procedures were performed in 71 hospitals (54% of the hospitals surveyed). Obstetric anesthesia represented 11.3% of total anesthesia practice, corresponding to an estimated 67,864 anesthetic procedures per year. Of those procedures, 87.7% were associated with labor and childbirth. An estimated 82% of the 71,851 births in Catalonia were assisted by an anesthesiologist. Cesarean sections accounted for 25.1% of births and the rate increased with age. Regional anesthesia for labor and cesarean section was used in 98.7% and 96.2% of cases, respectively. Epidural anesthesia was used in 96.9% of vaginal births. In elective and emergency cesarean sections, spinal block was used in 75.5% and 44.8% of cases, respectively, while epidural anesthesia was used in 23.3% and 53.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The anesthesia coverage for labor in Catalonia is the highest published. The use of regional anesthetic techniques in Catalonia is also the highest recorded. Although continuous epidural anesthesia is the most widely used technique, spinal block is also increasingly employed.

Risk factors for uterine rupture among women who attempt a vaginal birth after a previous cesarean: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors associated with uterine rupture among term pregnancies attempting a vaginal birth after a previous cesarean.

STUDY DESIGN

A case-control study was done of 348 uterine ruptures in Massachusetts between 1991 and 1998, initially screened by ICD-9 code and confirmed by medical record review, with 424 control women with a trial of labor randomly selected proportional to cases on year of delivery. Multivariable regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

RESULTS

Successful previous vaginal birth decreased risk for uterine rupture, and gestation > 40 weeks and macrosomia increased risk. Oxytocin for induction increased risk, with a slightly lower effect when used for augmentation. Prostaglandin use in conjunction with oxytocin did not have an additive uterine rupture risk. Women using epidural analgesia have an increased uterine rupture risk.

CONCLUSION

Certain labor management practices increase the risk for uterine rupture 2-3 times, although the absolute increase is small from a baseline uterine rupture rate of 0.5% to 1.0-1.5%. The association between epidural analgesia and uterine rupture deserves further study.

[Effects of choice of anaesthesia on the patients image of the anaesthesiologist]

BACKGROUND

The social status of physicians has been traditionally high in Poland, over recent years, we have noticed increased patient expectations in relation to the newest technology and the highest possible competence. The patient s image of medical personnel may influence his or her opinion about the quality of the service and of the medical centre. At the same time, we have noticed signs of decreasing trust, and an increased number of legal claims against doctors. The purpose of this study was to compare the image of anaesthesiologists, as perceived by patients who underwent Caesarean section either with general or spinal anaesthesia.

METHODS

Five hundred and thirteen parturients were asked to complete a questionnaire about their view of the attending anaesthesiologist, assessing the doctors attitude with 7-degree visual-analogue scale.

RESULTS

Four hundred and twelve valid forms were returned. Women who received spinal anaesthesia rated their anaesthesiologist higher than those who had general anaesthesia. Among the most important factors that influenced their opinion were: competence, calmness, trustfulness, accurate and detailed information, patience and kindness. Feelings of intimacy and privacy were less important, but the length of the preoperative visit was found to be a relevant factor. Anaesthesiologists providing spinal anaesthesia were rated higher, probably because they were spending more time with awake patients than those who had chosen general anaesthesia. The latter may also have been in a hurry, because of co-existing emergencies.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that patients satisfaction depends mainly on the time spent with their doctors before anaesthesia and during the procedure. Regional anaesthesia may increase the patients trust and satisfaction, when compared with general anaesthesia.

Epidural and spinal anesthesia use during labor: 27-state reporting area, 2008

OBJECTIVES

This report presents 2008 data on receipt of epidural and spinal anesthesia as collected on the 2003 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth. The purpose of this report is to describe the characteristics of women giving birth and the circumstances of births in which epidural or spinal anesthesia is used to relieve the pain of labor for vaginal deliveries.

METHODS

Descriptive statistics are presented on births occurring in 2008 to residents of 27 states that had implemented the 2003 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth as of January 1, 2008. Analyses are limited to singleton births in vaginal deliveries that occurred in the 27-state reporting area only and are not generalizable to the United States as a whole.

RESULTS

Overall, 61 percent of women who had a singleton birth in a vaginal delivery in the 27 states in 2008 received epidural or spinal anesthesia; non-Hispanic white women received epidural or spinal anesthesia more often (69 percent) than other racial groups. Among Hispanic origin groups, Puerto Rican women were most likely to receive epidural or spinal anesthesia (68 percent). Levels of treatment with epidural or spinal anesthesia decreased by advancing age of mother. Levels increased with increasing maternal educational attainment. Early initiation of prenatal care increased the likelihood of epidural or spinal anesthesia receipt, as did attendance at birth by a physician. Use of epidural or spinal anesthesia was more common in vaginal deliveries assisted by forceps (84 percent) or vacuum extraction (77 percent) than in spontaneous vaginal deliveries (60 percent). Use of epidural or spinal anesthesia was less likely when infants were born prior to 34 weeks of gestation or weighed less than 1,500 grams. Women with chronic and gestational diabetes were more likely to receive an epidural or spinal anesthesia than women with no pregnancy risk factors. Precipitous labor (less than 3 hours) was associated with decreased epidural or spinal anesthesia receipt. longer second stage of labor, and fetal distress (compared with women who receive opiates intravenously or by injection) (1,5,6). Severe headache, maternal hypotension, maternal fever, and urinary retention have also been associated with epidural/spinal anesthesia receipt (5). This report examines the relationship between epidural/spinal anesthesia receipt and selected characteristics of the mother and of labor among vaginal deliveries in the 27-state reporting area as reported on the 2003 U.S. Standard Certificate of Live Birth.

Frequent epidural dosing as a marker for impending uterine rupture in patients who attempt vaginal birth after cesarean delivery

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to estimate the association between epidural dosing and the risk of uterine rupture in women who attempt vaginal birth after cesarean delivery (VBAC).

STUDY DESIGN

A nested case-control study within a multicenter retrospective cohort of >25,000 women with previous cesarean delivery compared cases of uterine rupture with women without rupture (control subjects) while attempting VBAC with epidural anesthesia. Dose timing, frequency, and quantity were compared. Time-to-event analyses were performed to estimate the association between epidural dosing and risk for uterine rupture while accounting for labor duration.

RESULTS

Of 804 women in the nested case-control study, 504 women (62.7%) had epidural anesthesia, with no statistical difference in epidural usage rates between cases and control subjects (70.4% vs 62.4%; P = .09). Cox-regression analysis revealed a dose-response relationship between the number of epidural doses and uterine rupture risk: 1 dose (hazard ratio, 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4-5.7), 2 doses (hazard ratio, 3.1; 95% CI, 2.2-6.2), 3 doses (hazard ratio, 6.7; 95% CI, 3.8-12.1), > or =4 doses (hazard ratio, 8.1; 95% CI, 5.4-18.2).

CONCLUSION

Clinical suspicion for uterine rupture should be high in women who require frequent epidural dosing during a VBAC trial.

[Monitoring skill acquisition in obstetric epidural puncture at a university hospital using the cumulative sum method]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Skill acquisition in anesthesiology is subject to a great deal of interindividual variability. Our aim was to develop and test an individualized tool for monitoring acquisition of technical skills based on the cumulative sum (CUSUM) approach. This system objectively assesses whether an individual has acquired a minimum skill level and identifies the moment when the skill has been learned.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Nine third-year residents in anesthesiology and postoperative recovery care participated. The residents anonymously recorded their first 100 obstetric epidural analgesia procedures in a database. The data were then analyzed with the CUSUM method. We considered acceptable skill acquisition to be reflected by a first-attempt success rate of 80% and a rate of success with help of 20%.

RESULTS

A total of 765 epidural blocks were analyzed, giving a mean (SD) of 84.7 (2.8) procedures per resident (range, 47-100 procedures per resident). Seven residents became competent with the skill after 23 procedures and 2 residents were not successful in learning the skill. At the end of the study, 3 residents had required help with more than 20% of the procedures. Data collection from the trainees seemed to vary, leading to possible under- or overestimation of failures and/or need for help. Accidental dural puncture occurred 6 times (0.78%) and blood vessel puncture 40 times (5.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although some third-year residents reach the targeted rate of success quickly, we believe that close supervision is useful to control progress along the learning curve for individuals who need more help.

[Report of an inquiry about epidural anesthesia for abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery in Japan]

BACKGROUND

Recently there are growing number of patients suffering from the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and we have many occasions to anesthetize these patients under coagulation therapy as well. Moreover, the risk of epidural hematoma increases when the operation of the AAA is performed with epidural technique because the operation is usually done with perioperative heparinization. For these reasons, we investigated the current situations of clinical practice in Japan in terms of the epidural anesthesia for AAA surgeries.

METHODS

The questionnaires were sent to all 998 Japanese Society of Anesthesiologists certified training hospitals in October 2005, anonymously asking about current practices concerning AAA cases, anesthetic managements, use of epidural anesthesia and the experience of any complications. Fifty one per cent of the total questionnaires were returned and 94% of them could be analyzed. Seventeen per cent of responders were from university institutes or university related hospitals and 75% of them were from general hospitals of secondary critical care centers.

RESULTS

This survey showed that the operations of AAA were done at 308 (64% of the responders) hospitals and the total number of AAA surgeries carried out was estimated to be 6,321 the last year. This figure was very close to the number announced by Japan Society of Cardiothoracic Surgeons. The epidural anesthesia was routinely used for AAA surgeries with general anesthesia in 224 hospitals (64%), but it was not used in 51 hospitals (14%). The standard protocol for the application of epidural anesthesia had been installed in 56% of hospitals and mostly in 187 hospitals (as several answers can be chosen). The epidural catheters were inserted the day before operation. There were 113 hospitals in which less than 2 hours was required from epidural puncture to heparinization, but in 141 hospitals it took more than 12 hours. However, on the contrary, many anesthetists answered that the risk of the epidural hematoma had been the cause of not routinely using the epidural anesthesia in AAA operations. We had 30 hospitals in which epidural hematoma had occurred in the cases not limited to AAA surgery and 17 cases of them resulted in severe complications afterwards.

CONCLUSIONS

This investigation clarified the current situations of the clinical practice in Japan of the use of epidural anesthesia for AAA surgeries.

[Incidence in Catalonia of spinal cord compression due to spinal hematoma secondary to neuraxial anesthesia]

OBJECTIVE

To study the incidence in Catalonia of spinal cord compression due to spinal hematoma secondary to neuraxial anesthesia.

METHODS

The incidence of hematoma was based on published cases (MEDLINE, the Spanish Medical Index [Indice Medico Español], and Google) or cases reported at medical meetings or conferences by anesthesiologists from Catalan hospitals from 1996 to 2005, inclusive. The annual number of neuraxial anesthesias (spinal, epidural, and combined) was estimated based on the ANESCAT 2003 survey and the total number of anesthesias was calculated using the ANESCAT 2003 survey in conjunction with the surgical reports of Catalan hospitals.

RESULTS

A total of 11 cases of spinal hematoma after neuraxial anesthesia (7 after spinal anesthesia and 4 after epidural anesthesia) were reported or published from 1996 to 2005, inclusive. A total of 194 154 neuraxial anesthesias were performed in 2003 (126 560 spinal anesthesias and 5926 combined spinal-epidural anesthesias) and it was estimated that somewhat over 1 700 000 neuraxial anesthesias were performed over the 10 years reviewed. The incidence (95% confidence interval [CI]) of hematoma was 0.6 (95% CI, 0.3-1.2) per 100 000 neuraxial anesthesias, 0.6 (95% CI, 0.3-1.3) per 100 000 spinal anesthesias, and 0.7 (95% CI, 0.2-1.9) per 100 000 epidural anesthesias.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of spinal hematoma after neuraxial anesthesia is slightly more than 1 per 150 000 anesthesias-a similar finding to that of other epidemiological studies. The incidence is slightly higher in epidural anesthesia. These data imply a risk of approximately 1 spinal hematoma per year in Catalonia.

Patients presenting with birth plans: a case-control study of delivery outcomes

OBJECTIVE

To determine if labor management and outcomes, specifically epidural use, cesarean section and episiotomy rates, are different between patients presenting with formal birth plans and matched control patients without plans.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients admitted in labor with birth plans over a 3.5-year period were identified. Patients were excluded if they required a cesarean section prior to labor or if they delivered outside the institution. For each birth plan patient, 2 age- and parity-matched controls were identified. Birth plans and medical records were reviewed for all patients and delivery outcomes recorded. Statistical analysis was performed utilizing chi2 and Fisher's exact test as appropriate. This study was approved by the institutional review board.

RESULTS

Seventy-one patients with birth plans were identified, with complete information available for 68. Sixty-four met the inclusion criteria, and for those 128, matched control patients were identified. There was no difference in the cesarean section rate (17% [11/64] vs. 12% [15/1281, p = 0.30) or episiotomy rate between patients with and without a birth plan (25% [13/53] vs. 23% [26/113], p = 0.83). There was a significant difference in the epidural use rate in patients having a vaginal delivery, with birth plan patients receiving an epidural less often (57% [30/53] vs. 78% [88/1131 p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

As compared to age- and parity-matched controls, patients in our study with birth plans did not have an increased incidence of episiotomy or cesarean section but were less likely to receive epidural anesthesia during labor.

Contraindications to regional anaesthesia in obstetrics: a survey of German practice

BACKGROUND

We assessed current practice regarding indications and contraindications to regional analgesia and anaesthesia for labour and delivery in Germany.

METHODS

Questionnaires were mailed to the directors of 918 German departments of anaesthesiology.

RESULTS

A total of 397 completed replies were received representing 41.3% of all deliveries in Germany. More than half of the respondents never perform spinal or epidural anaesthesia when the platelet count falls below 65x10(9)/L. Preeclampsia, which was not graded for severity, was considered an absolute contraindication to regional block by 15% and placenta praevia by 30% of respondents. If a woman had taken aspirin three days before, the numbers of respondents considering epidural anaesthesia contraindicated (40.2%) were nearly double those considering spinal anaesthesia contraindicated (21.7%) (P<0.001). For a platelet count of 79x10(9)/L, epidural anaesthesia was thought to be contraindicated by 37% and spinal anaesthesia by 22.2% (P=0.001). In departments with <500 deliveries/year, reluctance to use regional blockade was more pronounced than in departments with >1000 deliveries/year.

CONCLUSION

Clinical practice varies considerably in Germany. Concerns regarding the use of regional blockade were more prevalent in hospitals with small delivery units. Indications and contraindications are not consistent in Germany and some recommendations or guidelines are needed.

A questionnaire survey on patients' attitudes towards epidural analgesia in labour

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate patient attitudes about epidural services in labour and correlate them with patient options and actual usage of epidural analgesia.

DESIGN

Questionnaire survey.

SETTING

Eight Hospital Authority obstetrics units.

PARTICIPANTS

A cohort of new antenatal patients and a cohort of postnatal in-patients over 1 calendar month.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Antenatal patient awareness of epidural services and attitudes towards epidural analgesia during labour; the actual usage of such analgesia and the reported experience of postnatal patients.

RESULTS

A total of 2109 and 2851 patients completed the antenatal and postnatal survey, respectively. The former revealed that only 47% of patients had been exposed to the concept of epidural analgesia in labour, and only 13% opted for such analgesia. In the postnatal cohort, the overall epidural analgesia rate was 10%, although 19% had actually requested it. Patients who received epidural analgesia in labour were more likely to consider their experience as favourable (85%) compared to those who went through labour without such analgesia (26%) [P<0.001]. There was no significant improvement in knowledge about epidural analgesia among postnatal as compared to antenatal patients. The main reasons generally ascribed by patients for not being able to obtain an epidural service despite it being requested, were related to limited resources.

CONCLUSION

The results showed poor general awareness of pregnant women about the proper role of epidural analgesia in labour, leading to a low patient demand for such services. Despite the low prevailing request rate for epidural analgesia in labour, there appears to be a lack of adequate resources to meet the demand.

Birth outcomes associated with interventions in labour amongst low risk women: A population-based study

INTRODUCTION

Despite concern over high rates of operative birth in many countries, particularly amongst low risk healthy women, the obstetric antecedents of operative birth are poorly described. We aimed to determine the association between interventions introduced during labour with interventions in the birth process amongst women of low medical risk.

METHODS

We undertook a population-based descriptive study of all low risk women amongst the 753,895 women who gave birth in Australia during 2000-2002. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were calculated using multinomial logistic regression to describe the association between mode of birth and each of four labour intervention subgroups separately for primiparous and multiparous women.

RESULTS

We observed increased rates of operative birth in association with each of the interventions offered during the labour process. For first time mothers the association was particularly strong.

CONCLUSIONS

This study underlines the need for better clinical evidence of the effects of epidurals and pharmacological agents introduced in labour. At a population level it demonstrates the magnitude of the fall in rates of unassisted vaginal birth in association with a cascade of interventions in labour and interventions at birth particularly amongst women with no identified risk markers and having their first baby. This information may be useful for women wanting to explore other methods of influencing the course of labour and the management of pain in labour, especially in their endeavour to achieve a normal vaginal birth.

[Influence of socio-economic status on the utilization of epidural analgesia during labor]

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of the influence of socio-economic status on the utilization of epidural analgesia during labor.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Modes of delivery, insurance, marital status and maternal occupation were retrospectively reviewed between 2000 and 2003 according to the birth documentation of all deliveries at the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, university of Wuerzburg, Germany. Using the maternal occupation groups were formed according to the minimum degree of education required for its practise. Women with epidural analgesia during labor were compared to those without it.

RESULTS

30 % of all deliveries during the evaluated four years were aided by employing epidural analgesics. For both collectives there were no changes of percentages concerning insurance, marital status or maternal occupation during this time. With 12-24 %, epidural analgesia was more often performed in patients undergoing operative transvaginal deliveries in comparison to women without epidural analgesics (2-5 %). There are no differences between the two groups concerning maternal occupation, insurance or marital status. However, looking at the collective of women with epidural analgesia during labor, epidural analgesia is more often used among women with private insurance. Concerning the degree of education there is also a marginal significant difference in the utilization of epidural analgesia in favour for women with a higher educational degree.

CONCLUSION

The use of intrapartum epidural analgesia is associated with insurance and maternal occupation/educational degree.

Effects of anesthesia on pain after lower-limb amputation

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of epidural, spinal, and general anesthesia on pain after lower-limb amputation.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

SETTING

Postamputation clinic.

PATIENTS

150 patients who were evaluated one to 24 months after their lower-limb amputation.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients received epidural, spinal, or general anesthesia for their amputation.

MEASUREMENTS

Standardized questions were used to assess stump pain, phantom sensation, or phantom limb pain preoperatively and postoperatively. Pain intensity was assessed on a verbal rating scale of 0 to 10. After the interview, each patient's medical history and anesthetic record were assessed.

RESULTS

Patients who had received epidural anesthesia and those who had received spinal anesthesia recalled significantly less pain in the week after their surgery (P < 0.05). After an average of 14 months, there was no difference in stump pain, phantom limb sensation, or phantom limb pain between patients who received epidural anesthesia, those who received spinal anesthesia, and those who received general anesthesia for their amputation. Phantom limb pain continued to be frequent and severe despite patients' use of opioid analgesics, amitriptyline, and gabapentin.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who received epidural anesthesia and those who received spinal anesthesia recalled better analgesia in the first week after their amputation than did patients who received general anesthesia. Anesthetic technique had no effect on stump pain, phantom limb sensation, or phantom limb pain at 14 months after lower-limb amputation.

Do race, gender, and source of payment impact on anesthetic technique for inguinal hernia repair?

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the potential differences in the type of anesthesia provided to patients of different race, gender, and source of payment undergoing inguinal hernia repair (IHR).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Ambulatory surgical centers/National Survey of Ambulatory Surgery.

PATIENTS

5810 patients older than 14 years who underwent IHR in an ambulatory surgical center.

INTERVENTIONS

Inguinal hernia repair under different types of anesthesia.

MEASUREMENTS

The association of race, gender, and source of payment with different types of anesthesia for IHR as determined by multivariate regression analysis.

RESULTS

Significant discrepancies in the use of various anesthetics between patients of different race, gender, and source of payment were found. Patients identified as black and those of other minority groups were significantly more likely to receive general anesthesia compared with those identified as white (odds ratio [OR] 2.76, confidence interval [CI] 1.96-3.88 and OR 1.66, CI 1.14-2.42, respectively). Those identified as black were less likely to receive epidural anesthesia compared with their white counterparts (OR 0.36, CI 0.14-0.95). Women were less likely than men to undergo IHR with epidural anesthesia (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-0.85).

CONCLUSION

Significant discrepancies in the use of various anesthetics for IHR between patients of different race, gender, and insurance status were found. Despite limitations inherent to secondary data analysis, the findings raise the possibility that nonmedical factors may influence anesthetic management.

Assigning surgical cases with regional anesthetic blocks to anesthetists and operating rooms based on operating room efficiency

The popularity of regional anesthesia blocks for both intraoperative anesthesia and postoperative pain management supports the inclusion of the administration of regional anesthesia into discussions about operating room (OR) efficiency. This article reviews the literature on OR efficiency with a focus on day-of-surgery decision making. Vignettes show regional anesthesia block placement is a variable that can affect the efficiency of use of OR time. Clinical examples highlight OR management issues and staff assignment decisions on the day of surgery. Regional anesthetic block placement can affect surgical schedules, and thus OR efficiency. When patient safety is unaffected, rearranging OR schedules on the day of surgery to place regional blocks, meet surgeon requests, or move up incision times should generally not be done if doing so results in otherwise unnecessary increases in overutilized OR time.

A national survey of epidural use and management in elderly patients undergoing elective and emergency laparotomy

A postal questionnaire was sent to anaesthetic clinical tutors in the United Kingdom describing two hypothetical 75-year-old patients requiring abdominal surgery. Patient 1 (ASA 2) required elective anterior resection and patient 2 (ASA 3-4) required emergency laparotomy. There was a 65% response rate. For patient 1, 98.5% of respondents would insert an epidural, 93% inserting this awake and 50% placing it in the high-mid thoracic region. All respondents would use local anaesthesia (concentration varied four-fold) and 62% would use opioids. All respondents would place the epidural pre-operatively; although 36% would administer the epidural block pre-operatively and 3% postoperatively. For patient 2, 70% of respondents would insert an epidural (p < 0.0001), drug administration would be more frequently delayed until postoperatively (13%); p = 0.0005) and epidural opioid use decreased (57%); p = n/s. Epidural insertion influenced the postoperative destination in 42% of departments. Use of a critical care facility was anticipated for more than half of these patients; 60% reported difficulty accessing critical care beds.

Skin Temperature During Regional Anesthesia of the Lower Extremity

Increase in skin temperature (Ts) occurs early during neuraxial blocks. However, the reliability of Ts to predict successful peripheral block is unknown. Therefore, we investigated whether an increase in Ts more than 1 degrees C precedes or follows an impairment of sensation after combined femoral and sciatic nerve block as well as after epidural anesthesia. In this prospective, nonrandomized study we determined Ts changes in 33 patients undergoing knee or foot surgery under femoral and sciatic nerve block and 10 patients undergoing epidural anesthesia. Perception and motor function were assessed every 5 min. An increase in Ts (> or =1 degrees C) at the foot occurred later after sciatic nerve block than after epidural anesthesia (10.3 +/- 2.8 versus 5.0 min; P < 0.01). Alterations of Ts at skin innervated by the femoral nerve were <1 degrees C. Ts increase preceded sensory block after sciatic nerve block in 6.6% of patients but indicated a successful block (sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy = 100%). We conclude that an increase of Ts is a reliable, but late, sign of successful sciatic nerve block. Therefore it is of limited clinical value. Ts changes after femoral nerve block are negligible and late.

Manipulation with prolonged epidural analgesia for treatment of TKA complicated by arthrofibrosis

Inability to achieve adequate range of motion (ROM) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) represents a frustrating complication for both patient and surgeon. Manipulation under anesthesia is indicated in TKA having less than 90 degrees ROM after six weeks, with no progression or regression in ROM. A modified technique has evolved for patients with chronic regional pain syndrome (CRPS) symptoms or persistent stiffness after standard manipulation. A retrospective review was conducted to determine the efficacy of the modified technique, which uses epidural anesthesia continued for postoperative analgesia, hospital stay of one to three days, continuous passive motion (CPM) for two to three days, and daily physical therapy (PT). Between 1997 and 2003, 5714 TKAs were performed in 4106 patients. Manipulation using a standard technique was performed on 334 (5.8%) knees in 273 patients. Manipulation using a modified technique was performed on 65 (1%) knees in 60 patients. Age averaged 58 years and body mass index (BMI) averaged 34.39. Follow up averaged 18.4 months. ROM improved significantly from 71 degrees to 102 degrees (p < 0.0001). Knee Society pain, function, and total clinical scores all improved significantly (all p < 0.0001). Successful results were observed in 48 (74%) knees. Four (6%) additional knees achieved a successful result after a subsequent manipulation. Nine (14%) knees required component revision for treatment of persistent arthrofibrosis, which included one full revision, five polyethylene exchanges, and three revisions of femoral component and polyethylene. Two significant complications occurred: one subdural hematoma and one death due to pulmonary embolism. Although not without complications, manipulation under epidural anesthesia represents a viable option for treatment of persistent stiffness after TKA; 80% of these difficult cases achieved successful results.

A survey of obstetric an aesthesia practice in Flanders

The use of locoregional anaesthesia in obstetrics in Flanders was assessed by a postal questionnaire sent to the directors of the anaesthesia departments of the 72 hospitals with an obstetric unit. 59 (82%) answers were returned. In the group of parturients who had a vaginal delivery a neuraxial technique was requested by 65% of the patients and consisted of epidural analgesia in 84%, and combined spinal epidural analgesia in 16%. Test doses are used in labour in 67%. To perform the block--spinal as well as epidural--the sitting position is somewhat preferred over the left lateral (55 versus 45%). For caesarean section general anaesthesia was used in only 5% of the deliveries, whereas spinal, single or as a part of a CSE technique, was preferred in 80%; the epidural technique was applied in 15%. There is no clear preference in technique for postoperative analgesia after caesarean delivery as both parenteral and epidural analgesia are used in 50% of the cases.

Unintentional vascular uptake in fluoroscopically guided, contrast-confirmed spinal injections: a 1-yr clinical experience and discussion of findings

OBJECTIVE

Documentation of vascular uptake on spinal injection in the context of negative aspiration and negative passive filling of blood into the hub of the needle.

DESIGN

A total of 1,295 consecutive outpatients receiving fluoroscopically guided, contrast-confirmed injection in a multispecialty practice over a 1-yr time frame were retrospectively reviewed with passive observation for inadvertent vascular uptake, passive filling, and required repositioning.

RESULTS

Positive vascular uptake was seen in 2-13% of cases with variable degrees of aspiration, passive filling, and required needle repositionings to avoid vascular uptake.

CONCLUSION

Negative aspiration and allotment for passive filling is inadequate to confirm the absence of vascular injection. Spinal injection will never be risk free. The safest method is fluoroscopically guided, contrast-confirmed injection, which should be considered the current standard of care.

Change in anaesthetic practice for Caesarean section in Germany

BACKGROUND

Initial data from 1996 revealed that in contrast to several other countries general anaesthesia was the preferred anaesthetic technique for Caesarean section in Germany. However, anaesthetic practice for Caesarean section has changed during the last decades world-wide. This investigation was performed to obtain more actual data on anaesthetic procedures in obstetric patients in German hospitals.

METHODS

Questionnaires on the practice of anaesthesia for Caesarean section were mailed to 918 German departments of anaesthesiology. Furthermore, the survey evaluated severe perioperative complications in obstetric patients.

RESULTS

The 397 completed replies in this survey represent 41.3% of all German deliveries in 2002. Spinal anaesthesia is now the most common technique (50.5%) for elective Caesarean section. In case of urgent and emergency Caesarean, delivery figures decrease to 34.6% and 4.8%, respectively. Epidural anaesthesia is performed in 21.6% of scheduled and 13.2% and 1.0% of non-scheduled urgent or emergency Caesarean sections, respectively. Four maternal deaths and several non-fatal episodes of gastric content aspiration were reported by the respondents.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to data obtained 6 years ago a significant increase in regional anaesthesia for Caesarean section has developed, with spinal anaesthesia being the preferred technique. Surveys can help to initiate discussion and improve current practice of anaesthetic care.

Epidural and intrathecal analgesia is effective in treating refractory cancer pain

The use of neuraxial (intrathecal and epidural) analgesia has been suggested in treatment guidelines put forth for the treatment of refractory cancer pain. We review the literature and present our algorithm for using neuraxial analgesia. We also present our outcomes using this algorithm over a 28-month period. We used neuraxial analgesia in 87 of 4,107 patients, approximately 2% of those seen for pain consultation. Evaluation of those patients at an 8-week follow-up revealed improved pain control. After institution of neuraxial analgesia, there was a significant reduction in the proportion of patients with severe pain (defined as a "pain worst" score in the severe range of 7-10), from 86% to 17%, noted to be highly statistically significant. At follow-up, numerical pain scores decreased significantly from 7.9 +/- 1.6 to 4.1 +/- 2.3. No difference was noted between the intrathecal and epidural groups. Oral opioid intake after instituting neuraxial analgesia revealed a significant decrease from 588 mg/day oral morphine equivalents to 294 mg/day. At follow-up, self-reported drowsiness and mental clouding (0-10) also significantly decreased from 6.2 +/- 3.0 and 5.4 +/- 3.4 to 3.2 +/- 3.0 and 3.1 +/- 3.0, respectively. This retrospective review shows promising efficacy of neuraxial analgesia in the context of failing medical management.

["Fast-track" colonic surgery-first experience with a clinical procedure for accelerating postoperative recovery]

OBJECT

The aim of multimodal perioperative treatment concepts is to lower the extent of general complications after elective colonic resection and "traditional" perioperative therapy and to allow hospital discharge only a few days following the operation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this prospective study, we examined a new perioperative treatment plan for accelerating postoperative recovery and evaluated the results. This so-called "fast-track" program employs combined thoracal peridural analgesia, forced mobilization, and rapid renourishment within the clinic.

RESULTS

Sixty-four consecutive patients with benign or malignant disease of the large intestine aged an average of 66 years (range 54-71) were operated on. Thirty received conventional resection and 34 were operated on laparoscopically and treated perioperatively using the fast-track program. The hospital diet was given in all cases on the 1st postoperative day, and the first bowel movement occurred on the 2nd day (range 2-3). The patients could be released on the 4th postresection day (range 4-5). General and local postoperative complications were observed in five patients each (8%), including two cases of anastomotic insufficiency.

CONCLUSION

In colonic surgery, the "fast-track" method accelerated convalescence, lowered the number of general complications, and reduced the duration of hospital stay. Therefore, evaluation of "fast-track" concepts is warranted in other types of elective abdominal surgery.