Safe epidural anesthesia performed during labor by an obstetrician

One thousand seven hundred eighty-seven epidural anesthesias during labor were performed by obstetricians well trained in the technique by the anesthesiology department. The course of labor was accelerated compared to control group. Vacuum extraction rate was 11.9%. Fetal outcome was favorable. Incidence of major complications was 0.16%. We conclude that in countries where an anesthetist is not routinely available at delivery wards, a safe and efficient epidural anaesthesia could be performed by an obstetrician well trained in administration of epidural anesthesia.