Improving obstetric anesthesia training in developing countries

Abstract

Obstetric anesthesia refers to peripartum anesthesia and analgesia care provided during antenatal period, labor, vaginal delivery, cesarean sections, removal of retained placenta, morbidly adherent placenta, antepartum and postpartum hemorrhage and postpartum tubal ligation. In wide perspective, obstetric anesthesia also includes neonatal resuscitation, caring of the parturient with systemic disease, and obstetrical intensive care management. Specialized training is mandatory to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, especially we need to have structured emergency obstetric care training in developing countries. Local associations and societies need to join hands with national and international associations to launch specific training in this neglected field.