Training in obstetric general anaesthesia: a vanishing art?

General anaesthesia in obstetric practice has largely been replaced by the use of regional techniques. We have studied this phenomenon and the subsequent impact on training in this technique both retrospectively and with a prospective audit. There has been a decline in the use of general anaesthesia for Caesarean section such that trainee anaesthetists are getting less practical exposure to this important procedure. Audit revealed a deficit with consultant involvement in training and heightened awareness has resulted in improved supervision. Possible implications for future consultant working practices are discussed.