Advantages of ultrasonography-guided epidural block in obstetrical patients

Resumen

Epidural block consists of administering local anesthetics in the epidural space through a needle placed in the sacral hiatus. It is commonly used to produce anesthesia and/or analgesia in pediatric and obstetric patients, although its use is not relegated only to these groups and can be used in the whole population ⁽¹⁾.

In Cuba, epidural block is performed in many health institutions by anatomical references, it is a procedure guided blindly and results in a high failure rate due to anatomical variations, since these can complicate the identification of the epidural space. In order to obtain positive results and reduce risks, it is essential to perform the adequate procedure, which makes the use of ultrasonographic techniques of vital importance, since it allows locating the epidural space, as well as reducing the incidence of complications related to this technique.