Preface

Obstetric anesthesia continues to evolve. Previous problems of dense epidural blockade with possible increased risk of operative delivery have been solved. As old problems are solved, new ones are generated. It is important to examine these new problems because by discussing and exploring these concerns, solutions may be formulated. This issue presents these problems in obstetric anesthesia. Chronic pain in obstetrics, the effect of anesthesia and analgesia on the fetus’s ability to learn, epidural analgesia as a source of maternal fever, and communication among providers have recently been identified as key issues in obstetric anesthesia. All of these topics were not even considered five years ago. Other problems, such as the use of magnesium, amniotic fluid embolism, and neurologic complications, continue to evolve with different solutions or different uses. Finally, issues that were thought to be settled have resurfaced as new investigation into its use has settled previous concerns, such as the use of nitrous oxide for the management of analgesia during labor. It is these problems and approaches to problems that make obstetric anesthesia such a fascinating specialty. It is both to these investigators that examine these concerns in obstetric anesthesia and to the reader who wants to learn more about obstetric anesthesia that this issue is dedicated.
Source: Anesthesiology Clinics - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Source Type: research