February 1997
Volume 61 |
Number 2
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DOCTORS DAY*1997
"150 Years of Obstetric Anesthesia" |
The American Society of Anesthesiologists is encouraging its
members to become active in the national observance of Doctors
Day on March 30, 1997, in their hospital or office. ASA members
can be proud that doctors of all medical specialties are honored
on March 30 each year because of the efforts of a physician whose
endeavors specifically related to the specialty of anesthesiology.
On March 30, 1842, Dr. Crawford W. Long of Jefferson, Georgia,
administered the first ether anesthetic for surgery. His history-making
achievement and the continuous efforts by doctors to alleviate
human suffering form the basis for celebrating Doctors Day each
year.
The ASA Committee on Communications is coordinating this year's
celebration of Doctors Day with the 150th anniversary of the first
use of modern obstetric anesthesia.
On January 19, 1847, Dr. James Young Simpson, a noted obstetrician
in Great Britain, used ether anesthesia to anesthetize a woman,
who had a deformed pelvis, for delivery of her baby. At that time,
pain was believed to be an integral part of the labor process,
and Dr. Simpson's contention that pain had no physiologic value
was disputed by many medical practitioners of the day. Public
sentiment, however, was strongly in support of pain relief during
childbirth - and the rest, as they say, is history.
While Dr. Simpson's accomplishments in obstetric anesthesia deserve
due credit, he has been followed by many others who also made
significant contributions to pain relief during childbirth.
Today there are a variety of safe and effective choices for a
more comfortable childbirth. The use of epidural anesthesia alone
has grown dramatically in the last decade. In 1981, epidural blocks
made up only 16 percent of the anesthetics provided to women during
labor. By 1992, that number had more than doubled to 33 percent,
and the number continues to climb.
The anesthesiologist today, like Dr. Simpson long ago, continues
to be an advocate for the patient seeking pain relief. This medical
specialist is also involved in the research and treatment of pain.
Therefore, the anesthesiologist should be the one to outline to
the mother-to-be what her options are for analgesia and anesthesia
during labor and delivery.
A few points to consider when talking with your obstetric patients:
- First-time mothers will undoubtedly appreciate a complete
overview about their options for pain relief. Those who have
already had children will also appreciate any up-to-date information
about pain-relieving medications and techniques. Be involved
in your institution's program for prenatal care.
- Explain the differences between local, regional and general
anesthetics. Describe the similarities and the differences between
a spinal block and an epidural block.
- Describe the role of the anesthesiologist in obstetric care
during labor, delivery and postpartum pain. Many people do not
understand that the anesthesiologist has expertise outside of
the operating room, too.
- Discuss honestly the possible side effects and complications
of childbirth, including the possibility for a cesarean delivery
if medically necessary. Some women may worry about headaches,
backaches or shivering, and they feel much better just knowing
that such side effects are not serious or uncommon.
Your patients will benefit from discussing with you their care
for any surgical, obstetric or pain management procedure. Patients
who are well-informed and who feel involved in their medical care
generally have a safer, more comfortable anesthetic experience.
Doctors Day is the perfect opportunity to help not only expectant
mothers but all people to understand how physicians are involved
in their health care and to let them know that "Doctors Care."
Plan now to be a part of the Doctors Day*1997 celebration and
educate someone about anesthesiology.
ASA will help you by providing materials for your activity; contact
the ASA Executive Office, Communications Department, 520 N. Northwest
Highway, Park Ridge, IL 60068-2573; telephone: (847) 825-5586;
e-mail: <communications@ASAhq.org>.
Your state
component society, medical society and its alliance group
or your local hospital's public relations office may be able to
provide you with additional resources and ideas.
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