Summary
Worldwide, most Caesarean sections (CS) are performed under neuraxial anaesthesia. However, neuraxial anaesthesia can fail and intraoperative breakthrough pain can occur. The aim of this study from Roofthooft et al. was to evaluate the incidence of breakthrough pain in consecutive CS and to describe the potential risk factors for breakthrough pain. In a two centre, prospective audit all CS performed under neuraxial anesthesia were included and the occurrence of breakthrough pain as well as all possible risk factors of breakthrough pain were recorded as well as the alternative anesthetic strategy.
Content
The study found that duration of surgery and epidural drug used were both significant risk factors of breakthrough pain during CS in this audit. A pro-active policy is required in order to prevent breakthrough pain or discomfort during CS. Early identification of problematic epidural catheters for labour analgesia, adequate level of anaesthetic block before surgery, and administration of a prophylactic epidural top-up if duration of surgery is prolonged as opposed to the choice of local anaesthetic used, could be essential in the prevention. Further high-quality studies are needed to evaluate the many potential risk factors associated with breakthrough pain during CS.
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