Epidural analgesia provided during labor by obstetricians: outcome analysis

Epidural analgesic has been given during labor by attending obstetricians at Minden Medical Center since 1976. This outcome analysis was done to determine the frequency, effectiveness, and complications of epidural analgesia from January 1, 1993 through December 31, 1995.

Each of the 1,851 obstetric patient charts for the 3-year period was reviewed retrospectively.

Among the 1,704 patients who had labor, 1,565 (91.8%) received epidural analgesia. Epidural analgesia was effective for adequate pain relief in 1,484 patients (94.8%). Hypotension was treated by ephedrine in 24 patients (1.53%). Subarachnoid puncture necessitating a blood patch for treatment of postural headache occurred in 4 patients (0.26%), and unexpected spinal anesthesia occurred in 3 patients (0.19%). A high level of analgesia, above the T5 dermatome, occurred in 16 patients (1.02%).

Obstetricians at this hospital provided epidural analgesia for a high percentage (91.8%) of patients in labor. Adequate pain relief was obtained in 94.8% of the patients who received epidural analgesia. No serious complications occurred.