Obstetric Anaesthesia (Oxford Specialist Handbooks in Anaesthesia)

Starting work on the labour ward is very challenging for all junior anaesthetists. This handbook is an easily navigated practical reference guide for anaesthetists new to this environment, as well as other members of the labour ward multi-disciplinary team; midwives, obstetricians, and Consultant Anaesthetists who visit labour ward less frequently or only when on-call. It covers all aspects of obstetric anaesthesia that the trainee anaesthetist will encounter during their obstetric training module, and is essential reading for FRCA exam preparation. Since the first edition, there is no doubt that the pregnant population has become more complex, with increasing maternal age and BMI, and challenging co-morbidities presenting more frequently. As well as providing updates from recent MBRRACE reports and national guidelines, new techniques, drugs, and technology, such as point of care testing have been included. New chapters covering the application of ultrasound in obstetric anaesthesia, recognition of the sick and septic patient, maternal obesity and neonatal resuscitation have been introduced. Previous chapters, e.g. haemorrhage, have been extensively updated, with the latest management protocols and algorithms based on recent published research in obstetric bleeding. We have retained our practical guides to performing, managing, and trouble-shooting regional techniques that are more problematic on labour ward, and our extensive A–Z of rarer conditions has updated references. More conventional chapters on maternal physiology and pathophysiology provide readers with essential examination material. The importance of anticipating risk in the antenatal period through high risk anaesthetic assessment clinics and postpartum management of tricky neurological complications is also well covered. The Oxford Specialist Handbook in Obstetric Anaesthesia returns for a second edition with updated practical management advice for medical and nursing staff in a portable, accessible format. An invaluable quick-reference resource for all consultant anaesthetists and SAS doctors involved in obstetric anaesthesia, as well as a succinct exam revision aid for the FRCA, this go-to guide provides incisive coverage of all aspects of the sub-specialty. This is essential reading for anyone working on the labour ward, with concise instructions for both antenatal and postnatal care. � Illustrated with clear line diagrams of the ideal positioning for regional techniques. � Includes top tips for techniques and troubleshooting, plus practical advice for the busy labour ward. � Headings and bullet points are used throughout for ease of reference and navigation. � Fully updated, with new chapters on 'Obesity in Pregnancy', 'Neonatal Resuscitation', 'The Sick and Septic Mother', and 'Ultrasound in Obstetric Practice'. An invaluable reference for those working in obstetric anaesthesia, as well as an essential resource for those preparing for postgraduate exams in anaesthesia, the Oxford Specialist Handbook of Anaesthesia, second edition provides incisive coverage of all aspects of the sub-specialty and concise instructions for both antenatal and postnatal care