When the question arises of choosing anesthesia in the case of pregnant women, a number of indicators are taken into account, blood tests and ultrasound diagnostics are carried out, risk factors and pathological conditions of the future mother and fetus are determined. Epidural anesthesia for cesarean section is most in demand by the luminaries of medicine. And this is not surprising: in contrast to general anesthesia, this method has much less risk of complications and contraindications.
Epidural anesthesia for cesarean section excludes depressive conditions from the side of the heart and aspiration due to the absence of the need to use the endotracheal tube, maintains respiratory function at a natural level and has a deep analgesic effect. With all these advantages, the patient is conscious and able to communicate adequately.
Epidural anesthesia for cesarean section provides almost complete relaxation of the abdominal wall, as a result of which all necessary measures related to the extraction of the fetus by surgical intervention can be carried out completely unhindered. The postoperative period is much easier, during the first day, taking painkillers is indicated. Recovery of patients and return to normal life is faster.
Epidural anesthesia for cesarean section is prescribed for some medical reasons. For example, in cases where it is necessary to maintain spontaneity of breathing (with lung diseases), with myasthenia gravis and other pathological processes in smooth muscle tissue, in the absence of the possibility of using potent drugs and relaxants, without which general anesthesia is not without.
There are also contraindications, which include shock conditions, bleeding, fetal hypoxia, DIC, atrioventricular block of the second and higher degrees, lesions of the spinal cord, spine and central nervous system of organic origin, intolerance to drugs used for anesthesia.
The epidural method of analgesia refers to regional types of anesthesia. This type has another type - spinal anesthesia. The species differ in the time period of the onset of anesthesia and its duration. The injection site is different, although the needle is inserted equally into the spinal canal. With
spinal anesthesia, a drug substance is introduced into the spinal space, which is surrounded by a hard membrane. When epidural, the drug is injected between the spinal space and the ligamentous apparatus of the spine. Spinal anesthesia for cesarean section can be used in the absence of contraindications and possible complications. If a prolonged course of surgery is anticipated, epidural anesthesia is preferred because the duration of her action is slightly longer. In both types, the possibility of sensation and movement of the lower limbs and body in the pelvic and abdominal areas is equally blocked.
Many women who have chosen epidural anesthesia for cesarean section leave positive reviews . Some had the opportunity to compare the effects of general anesthesia done in the past and this type of anesthesia. They noted the rapid onset of analgesic action, the ability to communicate during surgery and the happiness of seeing your baby immediately after extraction. Rapid recovery of the body is also one of the main advantages of this type of anesthesia.