Download – Vasopressors For Subarachnoid Anaesthesia in Obstetrics

Despite recent studies which suggest that spinal anaesthesia may not be the safest option for the fetus when caesarean section is required, it has, for many years, been the preferred technique for the majority of anaesthetists. This is primarily due to the benefits conveyed to the mother. There are, however, a variety of complications and side effects associated with central neuraxial blockade in the pregnant patient, the commonest being maternal hypotension which is believed to occur in up to 95% of patients. How important is this, and what should we be doing to prevent it?

Ian Johnson