International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Day case transvaginal ultrasound-guided needle puncture is currently the method of choice for oocyte retrieval. The risk of morbidity from this procedure increases with sudden patient movement in response to needle manipulation. ⋯ The aim of this pilot study was to establish whether spinal analgesia using a mixture of bupivacaine and fentanyl could be useful in this context. The results identify several advantages of this technique over current clinical practice, and merit further comparative investigation.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Jul 1998
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialThe effect of early epidural block administration on the progression and outcome of labor.
This study was undertaken to prospectively evaluate the effect of early administration of epidural bupivacaine (0.25%) on the progression and outcome of labor in 60 nulliparous patients. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. ⋯ There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in rate of cervical dilatation, duration of the second stage, numbers of instrumental deliveries or cesarean sections or Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min. We conclude that there is no need to restrict epidural top-ups until cervical dilatation of 4 cm, when active management of labor is advocated.