title: Epidural analgesia for labor: Current techniques.
abstract: Epidural analgesia is an extremely effective and popular treatment for labor pain. In this review, we trace the history of the use of epidural analgesia and its refinements. We then outline the goals of treatment and methods used to attain those goals. The use of low concentrations of local anesthetics, combined with lipid-soluble opioids, does not impede the progress of labor or depress the newborn. The incidence of side effects is low. Maintenance of analgesia that allows patient control enhances patient satisfaction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Marcos
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Stephen H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Halpern
keywords: analgesia; childbirth; epidural; labor; local anesthesia; spinal