Uterine Inversion

Anesthesia Implications

Anesthesia Implications

To relax the uterus and allow it to be replaced by the OB practitioner, the anesthesia provider may use Nitroglycerin (most common), Terbutaline, and/or GETA

Dose of Nitroglycerine is 50-500 ug titrated to effect.

The procedure is painful, so analgesia should be in place. This can be accomplished by an existing epidural catheter, GETA, or ketamine.

Give fluids/replace volume.

Once the uterus is back in place, oxytocic drugs will be given to induce uterine contractions.

Pathophysiology

Diagnosis:
-Vaginal or perineal mass
-Massive Hemorrhage
-Shock and Hypotension

Risk factors:
-Inappropriate fundal pressure
-Excessive traction (or pulling) on the umbilical cord. This often happens when practitioners use the umbilical cord to force delivery of the placenta.

References

Chestnut. Chestnut’s obstetric anesthesia principles and practice. 5th edition. 2014.