Advances in Regional Obstetric Anesthesia

Abstract

Advances in obstetric regional anesthesia, particularly ultrasound-guided techniques, have significantly improved pain relief and safety during childbirth. This chapter explores the latest developments in ultrasound-assisted central neuraxial anesthesia and fascial blocks for post-cesarean analgesia. The use of ultrasound guidance in neuraxial procedures has been extensively studied, demonstrating improved success rates, reduced complications, and increased patient satisfaction. It enhances the accuracy of identifying lumbar intervertebral spaces and facilitates needle insertion, resulting in higher first-pass success rates. Additionally, ultrasound-guided fascial blocks, such as the transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and Quadratus Lomborum Block (QLB), provide effective analgesia after cesarean section when intrathecal morphine is not feasible. This chapter summarizes the step-by-step technique for ultrasound-guided neuraxial block and fascial blocks, emphasizing the importance of incorporating ultrasound guidance into obstetric anesthesia practice based on the growing body of evidence supporting its benefits.