Challenging Dogmas: Obstetric Anaesthesiology

Dogmas are everywhere in obstetric anaesthesia, perpetuated despite advances in science by anesthesiologists, parturients and other clinicians. Dogmas such as a belief that there is a minimum appropriate platelet level to perform epidural analgesia for labour safely may be difficult to change, but they can be challenged and updated through scientific advances and guidelines based upon the latest evidence, along with some common sense. Join Prof Carolyn Weiniger, Chair of the Obstetric Anaesthesiology Subcommittee of ESAIC and Director of Obstetric Anesthesia in the Department of Anesthesia, Pain and Intensive Care of the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, and Prof Emilia Guasch, Director of Obstetric Anesthesia in the Department of Anesthesia, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid Spain, WFSA Council Member and WFSA Obstetric Anesthesia Committee Member as we explore some perpetuating dogmas in obstetric anaesthesia and review evidence to help us make the best decisions for our patients in challenging circumstances.