International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Jul 1997
Bilateral trigeminal nerve palsy during an extensive lumbar epidural block.
A rare case of trigeminal nerve blockade arising in the course of obstetric lumbar epidural anaesthesia is described. There was extensive bilateral spread of nerve-block up to the C4 level with respiratory distress after top-up for caesarean section, and subsequent epidurography revealed high epidural spread of contrast. The mechanism of the trigeminal nerve palsy was the source of some controversy, particularly as to whether intracranial spread of local anaesthetic had occurred, possibly following accidental subdural or subarachnoid injection.
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We conducted a questionnaire survey amongst midwives working in the labour wards of two hospitals within the Trent region. The results show that most of these midwives undertake the care of postoperative patients infrequently and have received little, if any, training. Also, most had not received any guidelines on which to base their practice. ⋯ In one hospital, over 90% used an automated blood pressure monitor and pulse oximeter. In the second hospital this happened in only 50% of cases. There appears to be some confusion regarding the monitors used postoperatively in that 11% of midwives said that they routinely used a capnometer in this situation.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Jul 1997
Trans-tracheal ventilation complicated by bilateral pneumothoraces and pneumoperitoneum.
Following induction of general anaesthesia for emergency caesarean section the trachea could not be intubated, and ventilation was established only following two cricothyroidotomies. The baby was delivered unimpaired, and tracheostomy subsequently performed. ⋯ Increasing abdominal distension was relieved by suction to a pelvic drain. Radiographs revealed bilateral pneumothoraces, pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum, which were resolved by intrapleural drainage.