A Comparison of Intrathecal and Epidural Analgesia and Its Effect on Length of Labor

A retrospective study was conducted to determine the effects of intrathecal analgesia on length of labor. There have been a number of investigations which show contradictory evidence as to the effect of epidural (EPI) analgesia on the progress of labor. Combined spinal-epidural (CSE) and intrathecal analgesia (ITA) techniques have been used to provide effective pain relief for parturients, but currently there are few data comparing EPI, CSE, and ITA techniques and their effect on progress of labor. Intrathecal opioids provide immediate pain relief for the parturient without autonomic, sensory or motor blockade. All are associated with prolongation of labor and increased incidence of instrumental delivery. A 1995 study reported CSE for labor analgesia is associated with shorter duration of first stage in primiparas (Campbell et al). The last two hundred thirteen uncomplicated obstetric charts were reviewed in a 70-bed Air Force hospital which currently provides EPI, CSE, and ITA for their obstetric department.