Best practice & research. Clinical anaesthesiology
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Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol · May 2022
ReviewEnhancing recovery after cesarean delivery - A narrative review.
Enhanced recovery after cesarean delivery (ERAC) is increasingly being implemented worldwide with the aim to improve patient care for women undergoing this procedure. ERAC is associated with superior maternal outcomes including decreased length of hospital stay, opioid consumption, pain scores, times to mobilization and urinary catheter removal and hospitalization costs, without increasing hospital readmission rates. A number of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative interventions have been incorporated into ERAC protocols. ⋯ Protocols rarely assess patient-reported outcome measures, patient satisfaction, or patient experience. The best measures of ERAC success are yet to be fully elucidated. Further work is required to evaluate protocols, interventions, and how best to measure the effect of ERAC.
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Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol · May 2022
ReviewNeuraxial labor analgesia: Maintenance techniques.
Since the advent of neuraxial analgesia for labor, approaches to maintaining intrapartum pain relief have seen significant advancement. Through pharmacologic innovations and improved drug delivery mechanisms, current neuraxial labor analgesia maintenance techniques have been shaped by efforts to maximize patient comfort during the birthing process, while minimizing undesirable side effects and promoting the unimpeded progress of labor. ⋯ We explore the historical development and the evidential underpinnings of these techniques, in addition to several contemporary neuraxial labor analgesia practices. We also summarize current understanding of the effects these interventions have on maternal/fetal health and the labor course, as well as several important aspects of analgesic safety and monitoring.
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Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol · May 2022
ReviewNeuraxial labor analgesia: Initiation techniques.
The ideal technique for labor analgesia would have a quick onset, predictable quality, and adjustable depth and duration. Moreover, it would be easy to perform and have minimal maternal and fetal side effects. A catheter-based neuraxial approach encompasses these desirable characteristics and includes the epidural, combined spinal epidural, dural puncture epidural, and intrathecal catheter techniques. ⋯ The selection of neuraxial analgesia techniques should consider the patient and team's goals and expectations, the clinical context, and the institutional culture. Labor analgesic techniques that initiate with an intentional dural puncture component have a faster onset, greater bilateral and sacral spread, and lower rates of epidural catheter failure. Further elucidation of the mechanisms, benefits, and risks of each neuraxial initiation technique will continue to benefit patients and care providers.
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Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol · May 2022
ReviewLatest advances in postpartum hemorrhage management.
Hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. A maternal health priority is improving how healthcare providers prevent and manage postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Because anesthesiologists can help facilitate how hospitals develop approaches for PPH prevention and anticipatory planning, we review the potential utility of PPH risk-assessment tools, bundles, and protocols. ⋯ Point-of-care technologies for assessing changes in central hemodynamics (ultrasonography) and coagulation profiles (rotational thromboelastometry and thromboelastography) are also discussed. Anesthesiologists play a critical role in the medical and transfusion management of PPH. Therefore, we review blood ordering and massive transfusion protocols, fixed-ratio vs. goal-directed transfusion approaches, coagulation changes during PPH, and the potential clinical utility of the pharmacological adjuncts, tranexamic acid, and fibrinogen concentrate.
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Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol · May 2022
ReviewPlacenta accreta. A review of current anesthetic considerations.
Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) is a potentially life-threatening disorder with unique anesthetic challenges, and its incidence has increased over the past decades. We review current guidelines and best practice evidence for antenatal diagnosis and preoperative evaluation, management pathways, multidisciplinary staff coordination, and surgery location. We address specific considerations for choice of anesthesia modality, the role of interventional radiology, and various techniques for minimizing hemorrhage for both planned and unplanned cases, as well as postoperative care for the PAS patient.