Eluid Content of the Nucleus Pulposus as a Factor in the Disk Syndrome

Abstract

MEDICAL JOURNALfor cases of lung and heart disease.It is also a useful technique in the management of the second stage of labour in primigravidae.The risk of aspiration pneumonia is obviated, and for this reason the technique can help to reduce mortality and morbidity.There were no foetal deaths that could be attributed to the anaesthetic used.It is suggested that this is a simpler form of analgesia than caudal and spinal analgesia, and one which allows for full oxygenation of the mother and the foetus.The maternal complications were comparatively slight and the length of stay in hospital was not increased, though 9 out of the 57 patients had oedema, bruising, or haematoma formation.In three cases another form of anaesthesia was given in order to accomplish a technically more difficult delivery.My thanks are due to Miss Janet Bottomley and Mr. Oswald Lloyd for their permission to perform the pudendal nerve blocks and to report the results.