OB Anesthesia for Delivery

Perinatal Resources, Inc.

A Not-For-Profit Medical Education Corporation

Perinatal Resources, Inc. proudly sponsors continuing medical education for obstetricians and gynecologists.

OB Anesthesia for Delivery

Kathryn Zuspan, M.D.

Valley Anesthesiology Consultants, Stillwater MN

Objectives

Anesthesia for Vaginal Delivery, Cesarean Section and Obstetric Emergencies

You should gain an understanding of the anesthetic options for patients undergoing vaginal delivery (spontaneous or operative) and cesarean section.
You should gain insight into the use of nitroglycerin to provide rapid uterine relaxation for obstetric emergencies.
You should learn the Obstetrician's role in managing patients with potential anesthetic emergencies. These include emergency cesarean sections where the patient is difficult to intubate, has no intravenous access or has a cardiac arrest.
You should gain insight into the factors that determine whether spinal, epidural, general anesthesia or 'cesarean section under local anesthesia' is the best choice for specific obstetric emergencies.
You should gain insight into related controversies in OB Anesthesia, and the statements given by the national specialty organizations (ACOG, ASA) concerning these controversies. These include VBACs and team availability, preeclampsia/eclampsia and use of neuraxial analgesia and anesthesia, platelet count and use of neuraxial anesthesia, who performs neonatal resuscitation, and timing of post partum tubal ligation.