Obstetric Anaesthesia

Abstract

Obstetric Anaesthesia Clyburn, P, Collis, R, S Harries and S Davies ( eds ) Oxford University Press : Oxford 2008 , ISBN 978-0-19-920832-6 , 682 pp., Price £42.95 The labour suite and theatres can be a daunting place for both junior and senior anaesthetists. Dealing with the numerous possible clinical scenarios, as well as the labouring mother, anxious family and possibly demanding midwife, can stretch even the most experienced clinicians. This pocket-sized book covers most aspects of obstetric anaesthesia that could be encountered by the anaesthetist. It is written with the practising anaesthetist in mind but the authors are correct in stating that this book would also appeal to a wider audience including nurse anaesthetist, midwives and obstetricians. The layout of this book will be familiar to anyone acquainted with the Oxford Handbook series. There are 22 chapters that are appropriately sub-divided, making information very easy to find. The text is arranged in bullet point form with coloured headings and tables which aids legibility of the relatively small font. The maternal physiology and pathophysiology chapters are fully comprehensive and succinct, making it a useful guide for those preparing for the FRCA examinations. The anaesthetic implications of the pathophysiological conditions are clearly summarised in coloured boxes, making it a quick initial reference for those complicated cases that can be encountered on the labour suite. There is a small section on antenatal issues. The authors state in the preface that they have included this as antenatal identification and preparation of mothers with potential for anaesthetic problems during childbirth is often a neglected area. It may have been useful if they had further expanded this chapter; however, this book is aimed at anaesthetic trainees who rarely have input during the antenatal period. The last two chapters of this book are particularly useful. The ‘controversies in obstetric analgesia’ chapter covers those grey areas that often face the trainee anaesthetist, such as feeding during labour, monitoring and mobilisation with an epidural, and fever and regional anaesthesia. This chapter concisely covers these areas well, providing the reader with the benefits, risks and appropriate management. There is also recommended further reading for those who would like to elaborate. The last chapter is a neatly presented A–Z of rare conditions that can be encountered on the labour ward, providing a quick initial information source with further key references. The conventional chapters on regional anaesthesia, caesarean section, and anaesthesia and analgesia for specific obstetric indications have a breadth of information that is easy to follow and ideal for those new to the speciality or those in need of a recap. The chapter on regional anaesthesia includes diagrams and photographs to complement the text and aid understanding and learning of what is essentially a practical skill. With the widespread availability of internet access in our hospital, one could question the need for such a book. However, having this succinct and easy-to-find volume of information at arm’s length is an essential and irreplaceable resource. We would personally recommend this book, especially for trainees who are new to obstetric anaesthesia.