Obstetric: Hemorrhage

Abstract

In this chapter the essential aspects of anesthesia for obstetric hemorrhage are discussed. Subtopics include physiological changes of pregnancy, placenta previa, abruption placenta, and regional anesthesia in the obstetric patient. The chapter is divided into preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative sections with important subtopics related to the main topic in each section. Preoperative topics include assessment of hemodynamic status, etiology of uterine bleeding, examination using a double setup, uterine rupture, and preoperative lab assessment. Issues discussed relate to intraoperative management include epidural technique, monitoring, induction, and intraoperative hemorrhage. Postoperative concerns discussed are assessment and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage and its differential diagnosis.