Epidural anaesthesia as an alternative to caesarean section in the treatment of prolonged, exhaustive labour.

Epidural anaesthesia was given to nine parturients who were considered candidates for delivery by caesarena section due to prolonged exhaustive labour. Upon pain relief and oxytocin infucion guided by cardiotocography, vaginal delivery took place. Delivery was spontaneous in seven cases, two were instrumentally delivered. It is concluded that an efficient epidural block tends to restore uterine contractility by reducing the inhibitory influences exerted by adrenergic mechanisms and unfavourable changes in the acid-base balance.