What does the anesthetist expect from the obstetrician?

Abstract

The anaesthetist would ideally like the following to be observed in a timely order in the antenatal phase: 1. early provision of information to the patient regarding epidural catheter for pain relief in labour, 2. informing the anaesthetist about relevant points in the patient history and examination findings, 3. knowledge of the contraindications to lumbar regional anaesthesia, 4. clear information as to the urgency of a caesarian section, 5. provision of aspiration prophylaxis. In the intrapartum phase it is necessary through clear communication to agree early on: 1. monitoring instructions for epidurals in the delivery room, 2. instructions for epidural top ups, 3. whether the presence of relatives in theatre in the case of a caesarian section is appropriate. In the postnatal phase anaesthetists expect to be actively involved in the resuscitation of newborns to fulfill educational requirements, to have clear decisions about responsibilities for monitoring of patients post caesarian sections and detailed information about early symptoms of possible complications of lumbar regional anaesthesia.