Combined spinal-epidural anesthesia/analgesia.

Abstract

Combined spinal epidural anesthesia offers the advantages of each method while minimizing their respective disadvantages. First described in 1937, this technique has risen in popularity over the last 15 years and is being used successfully in orthopedic, urologic, and gynecologic surgeries and for anesthesia/analgesia for labor and delivery as well as cesarean section. The history and development of combined spinal epidural anesthesia/analgesia, the different techniques, and controversies and problems associated with its use are discussed. The use of the technique of obstetric anesthesia/analgesia is also examined.