Spinal versus epidural anaesthesia for caesarean section
RHL practical aspects by Krisanaprakornkit W
FIRST CONTACT (PRIMARY CARE LEVEL)
It is not recommended to perform caesarean section at this level.
REFERRAL HOSPITAL (SECONDARY CARE) LEVEL
Regional anaesthesia should be administered by experienced anaesthesiologists under standard monitoring technique. Before administering regional anaesthesia women should be adequately prehydrated to prevent maternal hypotension. Patients should be carefully monitored for hypotension and should be promptly treated if it appears. Ephedrine, in bolus dose or continuous infusion, can be effectively used to prevent and treat hypotension. Bradycardia, if it occurs, should be immediately corrected to prevent further cardiovascular complications.
AT HOME OR IN THE COMMUNITY
Not applicable.
This document should be cited as: Krisanaprakornkit W. Spinal versus epidural anaesthesia for caesarean section: RHL practical aspects (last revised: 15 December 2006). The WHO Reproductive Health Library; Geneva: World Health Organization.