Marc Van de Velde1,2. 1. Department of Anesthesiology, UZLeuven. 2. Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Low-dose combined spinal epidural (CSE) anesthesia is a common technique to anesthetize women for cesarean section. It is used to reduce the incidence of hypotension while providing excellent anesthetic conditions. RECENT FINDINGS: Low spinal doses produce effective anesthesia but of limited duration. Therefore, an epidural catheter (and thus CSE) is required to guarantee pain-free surgery. Recent work confirmed that lower spinal doses can reduce significantly hypotension. SUMMARY: Low-dose CSE is a valuable strategy to anesthetize pregnant women for cesarean section but requires attention and training.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Low-dose combined spinal epidural (CSE) anesthesia is a common technique to anesthetize women for cesarean section. It is used to reduce the incidence of hypotension while providing excellent anesthetic conditions. RECENT FINDINGS: Low spinal doses produce effective anesthesia but of limited duration. Therefore, an epidural catheter (and thus CSE) is required to guarantee pain-free surgery. Recent work confirmed that lower spinal doses can reduce significantly hypotension. SUMMARY: Low-dose CSE is a valuable strategy to anesthetize pregnant women for cesarean section but requires attention and training.