Abstract

Abstract:Enflurane was used as the primary anesthetic agent in 30 vaginal deliveries. Its effect on maternal blood pressure, blood loss, uterine tone, and neonatal Apgar scores was examined. Three patients were monitored by use of the Corometrics fetal monitor while receiving enflurane. For comparison, similar monitoring was used on a patient receiving halothane (a known uterine relaxant), and a patient receiving sodium thiopental, N2O, O2 and succinylcholine (none of which are uterine relaxants). Enflurane provided adequate anesthesia for vaginal delivery with forceps. Intrauterine manipulations for versions and extractions could be done easily because of the profound relaxation of the uterus which accompanied use of the agent. Enfluran's ability to relax the uterus should dictate its place in obstetric anesthesia. Uterine relaxation is frequently required for intrauterine manipulation to facilitate delivery or for uterine tetany during labor. Enflurane should lend itself very well to use in such situations. It should not be used as a routine anesthetic for vaainal delivery.