Intrathecal
Route of drug administration directly into the cerebrospinal fluid space, commonly used for spinal anesthesia in obstetrics.
Full Definition
Intrathecal refers to the space within the subarachnoid space containing cerebrospinal fluid, where medications can be directly injected for spinal anesthesia or analgesia. In obstetric anesthesia, intrathecal administration of local anesthetics, opioids, or their combinations provides rapid, dense, and reliable blockade for cesarean delivery or labor analgesia. The intrathecal route offers several advantages including rapid onset, excellent surgical conditions, and lower drug doses compared to epidural administration. However, it also carries risks of hypotension, respiratory depression with opioids, and potential for post-dural puncture headache.
Usage
Usage note: Specify intrathecal versus epidural space in documentation; different anatomical spaces with distinct pharmacological and safety considerations.
In Context
- "Intrathecal bupivacaine and morphine provided excellent anesthesia for elective cesarean delivery." — Spinal anesthesia documentation
- "The patient experienced prolonged analgesia following intrathecal opioid administration." — Postoperative pain management note