[Morphine in cesarean section and postoperative analgesia]

Abstract

Epidural opioids for caesarean section are routinely used by many anaesthesists. Combined epidural injection of a local anaesthetic and an opioid provides a more rapid onset of profound analgesia. No side effects are observed in either the mother or the neonate with epidural "microdoses" of sufentanil or fentanyl, but the postoperative analgesia is of short duration. Combined intrathecal injection on 0.1-0.2 mg morphine and 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine provides a better intra- and postoperative analgesia. Opiates used during anaesthesia in toxemic women before delivery imply strict subsequent paediatric care. Good postoperative analgesia can be obtained with intrathecal morphine or patient-controlled analgesia. Using other techniques depends on care and surveillance facilities. Opiates by spinal or intravenous route are not dangerous for breast-fed newborns.