[Obstetric anesthesia in Gifu].

Improvement of perinatal mortality rate in Japan is remarkable for the last two decades, but maternal mortality rate is still relatively high in comparison with the improvement of the perinatal mortality rate. Maternal mortality rate 1991 in Japan was 8.5. Maternal deaths occurred mostly in perinatal period. The causes of death include pre- and postpartum hemorrhage, pulmonary embolism, and hypertension. This means an intensive, vigorous therapy including anesthesia management is necessary during peripartum period. Questionnaires were mailed to 63 maternity clinics in Gifu area. Some of the questions requested as many answers as applicable. We received 51 replies to questionnaires. Average Cesarean rate in Gifu was 7.3%. Spinal anesthesia was used in 74.5% of maternity clinics. Dibucaine was the most widely used local anesthetic for spinal anesthesia. Antacid medications were rare in our study group. After induction of general anesthesia, airway was maintained by masks (36.0%) or endotracheal tube (64.0%). Obstetric analgesia by local anesthetics was not used widely.