The extension of labour epidural analgesia for Caesarean section

Abstract

Seven hundred and twenty-two patients who received epidural analgesia during labour were delivered by Caesarean section. The block was extended in 554 patients to provide analgesia for surgery. In twenty-one cases incomplete analgesia necessitated general anaesthesia. The main complications were maternal hypotension (15.9%) and vomiting (17.1%). Almost all patients expressed enthusiasm for the technique.