title: [Lumbar tattoos and neuraxial anaesthesia in obstetrics: practice survey in Languedoc-Roussillon, France].
abstract: To determine neuraxial anesthesia practices in obstetric departments in Languedoc-Roussillon in parturient with large lumbar tattoo covering the puncture area. "A prospective anonymous survey was sent to anaesthesiologists" including a clinical case scenario with a tattooed woman. Questionnaire included items on neuraxial anaesthesia in various circumstances, reasons for the decision process, and "consensus management" or not "within the unit". Fifty-four anaesthesiologists answered (response rate: 57%). Fifty-seven percent would perform an epidural anaesthesia (EA) through the tattoo. Thirty-nine percent would not; among which two third only would propose an alternative for EA. Elective or emergency caesarean section would prompt most of the anaesthesiologists to perform a spinal anaesthesia, especially in parturients with Mallampati Class III (93%) versus Class I (70%) airway. Seventy percent of responders reported no consensual management in their unit. Our study illustrates this lack of consensus in obstetrical units and among anaesthesiologists along with a variable attitude linked with the obstetrical and anaesthesiological situation.
authors.affiliation: Service d'anesthésie-réanimation, polyclinique Saint-Roch, 43, rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jaumes, 34967 Montpellier cedex 2, France. jean-christian.sleth@wanadoo.fr
authors.forename: J-C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Sleth
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Guillot
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kluger
mesh_terms: D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D008161:Lumbosacral Region; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013653:Tattooing