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Problems with general anaesthesia for Caesarean section
1Department of Obstetric Anaesthesia, St. James University Hospital, Leeds, UK. glyons@blocked.org.uk
This has not been a comprehensive review of problems with general anaesthesia for Caesarean section, but major issues have been considered. The old problems are still with us, but their manifestations are perhaps more subtle as anaesthesia has become more sophisticated. Most of the problems are of our own making, but hindsight is only useful if we apply it to the future. Maternal safety is best served by a continuing expansion in the use of regional anaesthesia, but we must prepare for the problems that we create by ensuring that anaesthetists are adequately trained for the occasional general anaesthetic, possibly with more help from simulation.
This has not been a comprehensive review of problems with general anaesthesia for Caesarean section, but major issues have been considered. The old problems are still with us, but their manifestations are perhaps more subtle as anaesthesia has become more sophisticated. Most of the problems are of our own making, but hindsight is only useful if we apply it to the future. Maternal safety is best served by a continuing expansion in the use of regional anaesthesia, but we must prepare for the problems that we create by ensuring that anaesthetists are adequately trained for the occasional general anaesthetic, possibly with more help from simulation.
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