The obstetric anesthesia service provides anesthesia and analgesia for women with both high and low risk pregnancies at Washington University Medical Center-Barnes Jewish Hospital. Obstetric anesthesiologists provide care 24-hrs a day in a busy and growing obstetric center. In the fiscal year ending July 2007, 3,552 patients delivered at our hospital, 29.7% by cesarean section. The vast majority of patients delivering vaginally received epidural or combined spinal-epidural analgesia. We care for 300 patients with high-risk pregnancies annually. Additionally, we provide anesthesia for a variety of procedures in obstetric patients, including postpartum tubal ligation, external cephalic version, percutaneous umbilical blood sampling, cervical cerclage, and procedures to treat postpartum hemorrhage.
All residents participate in two one-month rotations during their CA-1 and CA-2 years. In addition, many residents elect to take advanced rotations in obstetric anesthesiology during their CA-3 year. Residents must demonstrate basic competence before they are granted more responsibility and autonomy in a graded fashion. Intrapartum anesthesia and analgesia for the relatively uncomplicated parturient is emphasized in the CA-1 year. In subsequent years, residents care for more high-risk patients. Residents prepare a Journal Club presentation on an obstetric topic each month they are on service. In addition, residents on the obstetric anesthesiology rotation participate in relevant teaching rounds, conferences, Journal Clubs and didactic activities conducted by the Department.
The division also offers a one-year fellowship in obstetric anesthesiology. Fellows participate in the care of high-risk patients, teach residents, and participate in clinical research projects.