Utilization of epidural volume extension technique for external cephalic version

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Anesthesiology
• Perinatal Medicine

Background:

• External cephalic version (ECV) is a key procedure to convert breech presentations to cephalic before delivery.
• Cesarean delivery is often the alternative for term breech presentations.
• Optimal anesthesia for ECV remains debated, impacting success rates and patient safety.

Observation:

• This case report focuses on the epidural volume extension technique for ECV anesthesia.
• A reduced dose of local anesthetic was employed to minimize adverse effects.
• The procedure was conducted in an outpatient setting.

Findings:

• The epidural volume extension technique provided effective surgical anesthesia for ECV.
• Minimizing motor block and hypotension was achieved with the reduced anesthetic dose.
• This approach facilitated an outpatient ECV procedure.

Implications:

• The epidural volume extension technique may offer a safe and effective anesthesia option for outpatient ECV.
• Reducing anesthetic dose can improve patient outcomes by minimizing side effects like motor block and hypotension.
• Further research into regional anesthesia techniques for ECV is warranted to optimize procedural success and patient experience.