REVIEW OF OPIOID PCA FOR LABOUR ANALGESIA

Abstract

The epidural route is currently the gold standard for labour analgesia, although it is not without serious consequences, especially when incorrect placement goes unrecognised. Intravascular, intrathecal and subdural placements have been reported to occur with incidences of 1 in 5000, 1 in 2900 and 1 in 4200 respectively. Until recent years there has not been a viable alternative to epidural analgesia.