Intrathecal morphine for caesarean delivery: a UK survey of practice

Due to a recent national shortage of diamorphine (DM), intrathecal morphine (ITM) has been used as an alternative long-acting opioid for caesarean delivery (CD). ITM is known to have dose-dependent side effects (SEs). A recent audit of practice at our unit revealed an increased incidence of SEs with ITM [2], with the introduction of an additional prophylactic antiemetic as a result. We sought to determine the extent of ITM adoption nationally, user satisfaction, the incidence and management of side effects. Our aim is to inform local practice and potentially a national guideline development.