This is the first text to systematically review the evidence for obstetric anesthesia and analgesia. Evidence-based practice is now being embraced worldwide as a requirement for all clinicians; in the everyday use of anesthesia and analgesia for childbirth, anesthetists will find this synthesis of the best evidence an invaluable resource to inform their practice. Contributions from anesthetic specialists trained in the skills of systematic reviewing provide a comprehensive and practical guide to best practice in normal and caesarean section childbirth. This book, coming from one of the world’s leading obstetric centers and the cradle of evidence-based medicine, is a much needed addition to the obstetric anesthesia literature.

This book provides a precise description of safe and reliable procedures for regional anesthesia in children. It covers the advantages and disadvantages, specific features related to the pediatric range of ages, and the practical importance of the described procedures. Written in two main parts, emphasis is placed on scientific basis and technical approach. It includes both anatomical and psychological aspects of pain, as well as detailed viewpoints of parents, children, surgeons, and anesthetists. This book is a must for all anesthesiologists and will be particularly useful to students of medicine and anesthesiology and nurses working with intensive care units.

This book represents a unique and substantial guide, and will bring anesthesiologists up-to-date on advances in the neuraxial technique and its applications in obstetrics. Today the epidural block is almost exclusively of interest to obstetric anesthesiologists, and how it is taught increasingly coincides with its applications in obstetrics. Since the classical, seminal textbooks by Bonica, Moore and Bromage, published in the 1950s and 60s, textbooks devoted solely to the epidural technique have become quite rare. Among more recent books, there are many excellent texts on epidural anesthesia or analgesia in obstetrics, but none are fully dedicated to the epidural technique, which is usually described in a few paragraphs or, at most, in a chapter. This highly detailed book, including videoclip on epidural technique, offers comprehensive coverage on epidurals; as such, it will appeal to all anesthesiologists, especially obstetric anesthesiologists.

The clinical practice of anesthesia has undergone many advances in the past few years, making this the perfect time for a new state-of-the-art anesthesia textbook for practitioners and trainees. The goal of this book is to provide a modern, clinically focused textbook giving rapid access to comprehensive, succinct knowledge from experts in the field. All clinical topics of relevance to anesthesiology are organized into 29 sections consisting of more than 180 chapters. The print version contains 166 chapters that cover all of the essential clinical topics, while an additional 17 chapters on subjects of interest to the more advanced practitioner can be freely accessed at www.cambridge.org/vacanti. Newer techniques such as ultrasound nerve blocks, robotic surgery and transesophageal echocardiography are included, and numerous illustrations and tables assist the reader in rapidly assimilating key information. This authoritative text is edited by distinguished Harvard Medical School faculty, with contributors from many of the leading academic anesthesiology departments in the United States and an introduction from Dr S. R. Mallampati. This book is your essential companion when preparing for board review and recertification exams and in your daily clinical practice.

The Essence of Analgesia and Analgesics is an invaluable practical resource for clinicians giving pain relief in any clinical setting, describing the pharmacologic principles and clinical use of all available pain medications. As well as detailed overviews of pain processing and analgesic theory, sections are dedicated to oral and panteral opioid analgesics, neuraxial opioids, NSAIDs, local anesthetics, anticonvulsant type analgesics, NMDA antagonists, alpha adrenergic analgesics, antidepressant analgesics, muscle relaxants, adjuvant medications, and new and emerging analgesics. The concise format of the chapters allows for quick and easy reading and assimilation of information. Enhanced by summary tables and figures, each chapter provides an overview of a particular drug, covering chemical structure, mode of activity, indications, contraindications, common doses and uses, advantages and disadvantages, and drug related adverse events. Key references are also provided. Edited by leading experts in pain management, this is essential reading for any clinician involved in pain management.

A concise volume which debates the current clinical management controversies encountered by obstetric anesthesiologists in daily practice.

This textbook provides an up-to-date summary of the scientific basis, assessment for and provision of anaesthesia throughout pregnancy and labour. It is divided into nine sections including physiology, assessment, complications and systemic disease.

Epidural analgesia is a form of pain relief administered through the space surrounding the dural sheath either by direct injection or via catheter. The agent, when administered, can cause both a loss of sensation (anesthesia) and a loss of pain (analgesia), by reversibly interrupting the transmission of signals through nerves in or near the spinal cord. This form of pain relief has been found useful in many clinical situations. This book intends to provide an in-depth review of the current knowledge on epidural analgesia. The use of this form of analgesia is explored by contributors from different perspectives, including labor and delivery, postoperative analgesia in both pediatric and geriatric patients, and its role during anesthesia and surgery. In order to provide a balanced medical view this book was edited by an obstetric anesthesiologist.

This textbook provides an overview of pain management useful to specialists as well as non-specialists, surgeons, and nursing staff.

Analgesia, Anaesthesia and Pregnancy focuses on pre-empting problems and maximising quality of care. Every chapter of this well-established practical guide has been completely updated and revised. All aspects of obstetric medicine relevant to the anaesthetist are covered, from pre-pregnancy management to conception, throughout pregnancy, to postnatal care. The authors have identified over 150 potential complications, each covered in two parts: 'problems/special considerations' and 'management options', with key points prominently displayed for quick reference. A section on organisational aspects such as record keeping, training protocols and guidelines makes this an important resource for any labour ward or hospital dealing with pregnant women. Presented in a clear, structured format, this practical summary will be invaluable to any anaesthetist encountering obstetric patients, whether they are a practiced consultant or still in training. It will also be useful for obstetricians, neonatologists, midwives, nurses and operating department practitioners wishing to extend or update their knowledge.