Segmental epidural analgesia - a modern method for safe and effective management of labor pains

The effect and safety of segmental epidural analgesia (SEA) were investigated in three groups of parturients totaling 250. Three comparative groups were also created. In 50 primigravidae, the analgesic effect was good in 90%, moderate in 8%, and poor in only 2%. The opinion of midwives on analgesic effect was also similar. Investigation of the duration of labor showed that the duration of both first and second stages was longer in SEA groups than in nonepidural groups. However, with more liberal use of oxytocin in the SEA group this difference disappeared. The SEA did not lead to more malpositions than were present in the nonepidural groups. Nevertheless, the rate of instrumental deliveries was approximately three times higher in the SEA groups than in nonepidural groups (15.2% vs 4.7%, respectively). No difference between the groups occurred when Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min were investigated.