[Changes in indications for obstetric peridural anesthesia in our clinic]

In relation to the Swiss average our hospital has had a constant high rate of spontaneous deliveries and a low rate of cesarean sections. On the other hand the rate of obstetrical peridural anesthesia has been increasing significantly since 1986. This is above all related to its more frequent usage in cases of cervical dystocia and intolerable birth pain. Exactly in these indications peridural anesthesia has been very successful. In almost three quarters of the above-mentioned cases a cesarean section can be avoided due to peridural anesthesia.