Extending epidural blockade for emergency caesarean section. Evaluation of 2% lignocaine with adrenaline.

Pre-existing epidural analgesia was rapidly extended in 36 consecutive patients presenting for emergency caesarean section by using 20 ml of 2% lignocaine + 1/200,000 adrenaline freshly prepared given by slow bolus injection. Despite a wide range of initial analgesic sensory levels the technique produced blocks that were dense with adequate anaesthesia for surgery in all patients within 12.5 min. The plasma local anaesthetic concentrations were well below the toxic range. Neonatal condition was good.