Prevention and management of intra‐operative pain during caesarean section under neuraxial anaesthesia: a technical and interpersonal approach. (24th March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Plaat, F.; Stanford, S. E. R.; Lucas, D. N.; Andrade, J.; Careless, J.; Russell, R.; Bishop, D.; Lo, Q.; Bogod, D.
• Is Part Of: Anaesthesia. Volume 77:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: 588
• Page End: 597
• Publication Date: 2022-03-24
• Subjects: caesarean section -- epidural -- pain -- spinal -- testing; Anesthesia -- Periodicals; 617.96
• DOI: 10.1111/anae.15717
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-2409

Abstract

Summary: A woman who experiences pain during caesarean section under neuraxial anaesthesia is at risk of adverse psychological sequelae. Litigation arising from pain during caesarean section under neuraxial anaesthesia has replaced accidental awareness under general anaesthesia as the most common successful medicolegal claim against obstetric anaesthetists. Generic guidelines on caesarean section exist, but they do not provide specific recommendations for this area of anaesthetic practice. This guidance aims to offer pragmatic advice to support anaesthetists in caring for women during caesarean section. It emphasises the importance of non‐technical skills, offers advice on best practice and aims to encourage standardisation. The guidance results from a collaborative effort by anaesthetists, psychologists and patients and has been developed to support clinicians and promote standardisation of practice in this area.