The safety and efficacy of combined spinal and epidural analgesia/anesthesia (6,002 blocks) in a community hospital*1

Abstract

This review of 6,002 CSE blocks performed in a community hospital has demonstrated that CSE labor analgesia, surgical anesthesia are safe and efficacious. We believe that patient observation and continuous pulse oximetry for 1-2 hours after administration of ITS and prompt treatment with intravenous naloxone for severe drowsiness, low oxygen saturation (PaO2 < 90% unresponsive to mask oxygen), or dysphagia should be used to minimize the risk of apnea.