15: Is dural puncture epidural (DPE) the optimal labor analgesia technique?

Depth of Anesthesia

In this episode, we investigate the following claims related to DPE:

1. Dural puncture epidural (DPE) technique improves analgesic quality versus traditional epidural

2. DPE technique has faster onset of analgesia versus traditional epidural

3. DPE has less adverse effects compared with combined spinal-epidural (CSE)

Our guest today is Dr. Ronald George (@Ron_George), Professor and Chief of Obstetric Anesthesia at UCSF.

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Music by Stephen Campbell, MD.

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References

Heesen M, Rijs K, Rossaint R, Klimek M. Dural puncture epidural versus conventional epidural block for labor analgesia: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Int J Obstet Anesth. 2019;40:24-31. doi:10.1016/j.ijoa.2019.05.007

Thomas JA, Pan PH, Harris LC, Owen MD, D'Angelo R. Dural puncture with a 27-gauge Whitacre needle as part of a combined spinal-epidural technique does not improve labor epidural catheter function. Anesthesiology. 2005;103(5):1046-1051. doi:10.1097/00000542-200511000-00019

Wilson SH, Wolf BJ, Bingham K, et al. Labor Analgesia Onset With Dural Puncture Epidural Versus Traditional Epidural Using a 26-Gauge Whitacre Needle and 0.125% Bupivacaine Bolus: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Anesth Analg. 2018;126(2):545-551. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000002129

Cappiello E, O'Rourke N, Segal S, Tsen LC. A randomized trial of dural puncture epidural technique compared with the standard epidural technique for labor analgesia. Anesth Analg. 2008;107(5):1646-1651. doi:10.1213/ane.0b013e318184ec14

Chau A, Bibbo C, Huang CC, et al. Dural Puncture Epidural Technique Improves Labor Analgesia Quality With Fewer Side Effects Compared With Epidural and Combined Spinal Epidural Techniques: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Anesth Analg. 2017;124(2):560-569. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000001798

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