A retrospective review of 34,109 epidural anesthetics for obstetric and gynecologic procedures at a single private hospital in Turkey.

BACKGROUND

We examined the safety of the routine use of epidural anesthesia by an experienced anesthetic team in a select group of obstetric and gynecologic patients.

METHODS

All anesthetic records and an obstetric department database from 1993 to 2006 were retrospectively reviewed (n = 35,628 cases). Success rate, major complication rates, and mortality rates were the major end-points of the study.

RESULTS

We performed 34,109 epidural blocks in obstetric and gynecologic anesthesia. The epidural rate increased from 57% to 96% over a 14-yr period. Permanent neurological sequel, cardiac arrest, or mortality and maternal mortality were not seen during this period.

CONCLUSIONS

Epidural anesthesia/analgesia, as performed in a private hospital in Turkey by five experienced anesthesiologists for a select group of patients, was a reliable and safe procedure.