Patient Satisfaction With Single-Shot Spinal Analgesia for Labor: A Single-Center Study

Background In low- and middle-income countries, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, the availability of epidural analgesia for labor has been limited due to a shortage of anesthesiologists. As an alternative, single-shot spinal analgesia can offer effective pain relief during childbirth. Objective The objective of the study is to evaluate patient satisfaction with single-shot spinal analgesia provided during labor. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the General Hospital Sarajevo over a two-year period. Fifty parturients received single-shot spinal analgesia during the active phase of labor (cervical dilatation ≥ 5 cm). The analgesic mixture included 0.5% levobupivacaine (0.5 mL), fentanyl (25 mcg), and 0.9% NaCl (1 mL). Pain intensity was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before the procedure, 10 minutes afterward, one hour after administration, and during delivery. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Results The average duration of labor pain prior to the procedure was four hours. Mean VAS scores were 9 before the procedure, 3 after 10 minutes, 1 after one hour, and 4 during delivery. Spinal analgesia lasted approximately 110 minutes. During this period, 66% of parturients delivered, while in 34%, the effect of analgesia ended before delivery. All patients expressed satisfaction with the analgesia received. Conclusion Single-shot spinal analgesia provided effective pain relief and high patient satisfaction, even among those who did not deliver during the period of analgesic effect. It offered parturients sufficient time to rest and actively participate in the final stage of labor.