[Experiences with single-shot peridural anaesthesia in obstetrics (author's transl)]

Analysed are the epidural anaesthesias of the years 1977 and 1978, which were carried out with the single-shot-method. Frequency of instrumental vaginal delivery of primiparae and multiparae, outcome of the newborn immediately post partum by the Apgar-score and complications compared with a group without epidural anaesthesia are being examined. There is an increase of instrumental vaginal deliveries from 5,7% to 21% after using epidural anaesthesia. Primiparae are mainly concerned by 29,2%, whereas multiparae are only concerned by 10%. The whole rate of complication is 14,4% (here of hypotension in 7,8% of the cases). Asphyxias of the newborn are not significantly more frequent in the group with epidural anaesthesia. For the time the epidural anaesthesia remains the most effective method of analgesia during the delivery, although the maternal and fetal risk should not be underestimated.