EPIDURAL ANALGESIA FOR LABOUR IN ARMED FORCES HOSPITALS: A PRELIMINARY STUDY TO ASSESS FEASIBILITY AND ACCEPTANCE.

A pilot project to assess the feasibility of using epidural analgesia for labour was undertaken in an Armed Forces hospital. Effectiveness of the technique, acceptability by patients and nursing staff was assessed. Forty parturients were offered labour analgesia after explaining the procedure. A single-use 16 G Romson epidural catheter was placed in L2-3 or L3-4 space. Injection bupivacaine (0.25%) 10-14 mL was used as an initial dose. An hourly dose of 0.125% bupivacaine (10-12 mL) was given till the onset of second stage. Good to excellent analgesia during first stage was experienced by 34 patients. Marginal second stage prolongation was noticed but without any adverse neonatal effects. Analgesia was unsatisfactory during second stage in 25% patients. Instrumental delivery was required in 17% patients (LSCS - 10% and vacuum extraction - 7%). Procedure was accepted very well by 37 patients and they were satisfied with the pain relief.