Suhas Patel1, Samita Das1, Robin B Stedman2. 1. Department of Anesthesiology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA. 2. Department of Anesthesiology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA ; The University of Queensland School of Medicine, Ochsner Clinical School, New Orleans, LA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Spinal cord stimulation used in the treatment of chronic pain is offered to women of child-bearing age. This practice warrants special consideration on the part of the obstetricians and anesthesiologists charged with their care. CASE REPORT: We report the instance of a parturient with a spinal cord stimulator who presented for urgent cesarean section. In spite of the patient's daunting back examination, the suitability of neuraxial anesthesia for cesarean delivery was rapidly determined by accessing images in our centerwide electronic medical record system. CONCLUSION: Accepted approaches to managing labor and delivery-such as neuraxial anesthesia and analgesia-need not be denied patients with spinal cord stimulators. Whenever possible, however, the pain specialist should communicate the specific characteristics of the implanted device to the team who will manage the patient in the peripartal period.
BACKGROUND: Spinal cord stimulation used in the treatment of chronic pain is offered to women of child-bearing age. This practice warrants special consideration on the part of the obstetricians and anesthesiologists charged with their care. CASE REPORT: We report the instance of a parturient with a spinal cord stimulator who presented for urgent cesarean section. In spite of the patient's daunting back examination, the suitability of neuraxial anesthesia for cesarean delivery was rapidly determined by accessing images in our centerwide electronic medical record system. CONCLUSION: Accepted approaches to managing labor and delivery-such as neuraxial anesthesia and analgesia-need not be denied patients with spinal cord stimulators. Whenever possible, however, the pain specialist should communicate the specific characteristics of the implanted device to the team who will manage the patient in the peripartal period.
Authors: David Logé; Jacques E R Devulder; Olivier De Coster; Luc De Colvenaer; Eric Mortier Journal: Reg Anesth Pain Med Date: 2002 Jul-Aug Impact factor: 6.288