Combined spinal-epidural versus programmed intermittent epidural analgesia in parous patients

Combined spinal epidural (CSE), as well as the programmed intermitent epidural (PIE) analgesia provide excellent labor analgesia. In this study we compare these two types of labor analgesia in parous patients analyzing patient satisfaction.

Materials and methods: 120 parous patients at term were admitted at Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics for labor, divided into two groups. The first group (60 patients) received combined spinal-epidural. The second group (60) received programmed intermittent epidural boluses. We evaluate patient satisfaction through VAS scale, number of additional top- up doses as well as the possibility to ambulate during labor.