Local anesthesia for cesarean section

Local infiltration anesthesia as a primary technique for cesarean section is very rarely used and is not even briefly mentioned in some modern textbooks. Most of our references come from the third world countries where there may be a single operator and a lack of anesthetic personnel, equipment, and supplies. It has been used as recently as 1996 in the United Kingdom (Leeds) and 1999 in India. Admittedly, there are but few indications for this technique in modern anesthetic practice. The indications, 3 techniques, and complications of this method of analgesia have been described. All anesthetic techniques used for cesarean section carry their own special hazards. This particular technique may be useful when general or regional anesthesia is contraindicated. Although there are limitations on the surgical technique-no packs, no retractors, gentleness on the part of the operator, and avoidance of sudden movement-the surgery has been performed successfully on several occasions. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company