[Pain control during the expulsion period in labor using bupivacaine and fentanyl]

The association of extremely diluted concentrations of opioids and local anesthetics appears to be highly promising for pain control during labour. This study examined the efficacy of the association of Fentanyl 100 mcg and Bupivacaine 10 mg in second-stage labour pain and perineal pain. The study which was carried out in 20 patients confirmed the lack of collateral effects on the fetus, mother (except for slight itching in 25% of cases) and the progress of labour. A virtually total elimination of pain was obtained in all cases during the dilatation and expulsion stages. During the second stage of labour pain was completely abolished in 50% of cases, whereas in the remaining 50% it lasted on average for 13 minutes. Perineal analgesia was sufficient to allow episiorrhaphy in 50% of patients without resorting to the use of local anesthetic.