Obstetric Anesthesia, An Issue of Anesthesiology Clinics

For an anesthesiologist, though the challenge of managing an obstetric patient can be very satisfying and rewarding, it can also be extremely difficult given the potential for serious harm to the fetus and mother. For routine care, it is important to understand the risks and benefits of many practices to provide patients with informed decisions and the most satisfying experiences. There are also many less-usual patients and situations, however, that challenge the anesthesiologist's skills significantly. This issue of the Anesthesiology Clinics presents the most up-to-date information on both of these categories, and is written by an outstanding group of experienced clinicians from all over the world. Topics including high-risk analysis, use of simulators for training, major hemorrhage, off-labor-floor consultation, depth of anesthesia monitoring, pharmaceuticals, use of vasopressors, neurological infections after neuroaxial anesthesia, airway management, the HIV patient, ultrasound, and others.

Drs. Robert Gaiser and Oni Onuoha have assembled an expert team of authors on the topic of "Obstetric Anesthesia". Article topics include: Epidural Analgesia for Labor: Continuous Infusion vs Programmed Intermittent Bolus; Prophylaxis and Management of Obstetric Hemorrhage; The Use of Ultrasound in Obstetric Anesthesia; Huddles and Debriefings: Improving Communication on Labor and Delivery; General Anesthesia during the Third Trimester: Any Link to Neurocognitive Outcomes; Obstetric and Anesthetic Approaches to External Cephalic Version; Update in the Management of Patients with Pre-Eclampsia; Optimal Pain Management After Cesarean Delivery; Should Nitrous Oxide be Used for the Laboring Patient?; Tilts and Full Stomach: Changes in Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery; and Post-Dural Puncture Headache: An Evidence Based Approach.