Centenary of epidural anaesthesia

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Medical History

Background:

• The centenary of Fidel Pagés Miravé's 1921 article "Anestesia metamérica" is a significant milestone.
• Pagés' work built upon prior intradural and sacral anesthesia techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Fidel Pagés Miravé's foundational publication on epidural anesthesia.
• To acknowledge the lasting impact of his contributions to anesthesiology.

Main Methods:

• Review of Fidel Pagés Miravé's original 1921 article "Anestesia metamérica".
• Analysis of the historical context and influences on Pagés' development of epidural anesthesia.
• Examination of the detailed descriptions of techniques, solutions, and instruments in Pagés' work.

Main Results:

• Pagés' extensive experience in conflict zones and multilingualism facilitated a comprehensive description of his epidural technique.
• His article accurately detailed approaches, anesthetic solutions, instruments, indications, contraindications, and complications.
• The technique described by Pagés has significantly improved patient care.

Conclusions:

• Fidel Pagés Miravé's 1921 article is a seminal work in the history of anesthesiology.
• His contributions established a foundational epidural anesthesia and analgesia technique.
• The technique continues to benefit patients worldwide.