Ultrasound imaging improves learning curves in obstetric epidural anesthesia: a preliminary study.

Purpose: Epidural anesthesia may be difficult in pregnancy. We intended to evaluate the teaching possibilities of ultrasonography as a diagnostic approach to the epidural region.

Methods: Two groups of residents performed their first 60 obstetric epidurals under supervision.

Efficacy of ultrasound imaging in obstetric epidural anesthesia.

Study Objective: To assess the clinical use of ultrasonographic localization of the epidural space, and to evaluate the clinical efficacy of ultrasound diagnostics in obstetric anesthesia.

Design: Randomized prospective study.

Setting: University Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology.