Fascial plane blocks in labor: promise or illusion? A narrative review with expert opinion
Current evidence does not support FPBs as replacements for neuraxial analgesia. Their use should be restricted to highly selected cases where neuraxial techniques are not feasible. Importantly, there is no predefined formula for managing labor pain-analgesic strategies must be individualized according to clinical context, patient preference, and available resources. High-quality prospective studies are necessary to clarify the role of FPBs in labor.
Authors
- Giuseppe Servillo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4618-3434)
- Antonio Coviello (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2298-566X)
- Domenico Pietro Santonastaso (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1304-7724)
- Maria Grazia Frigo
- Dario Cirillo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3554-8442)
- Paolo Scimia (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9792-8651)
- Filomena Coppola
- Giorgio Ranieri
Institutions
- Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic (IT)
- Fatebenefratelli Hospital (IT)
- Ospedale “M. Bufalini” di Cesena (IT)
- Federico II University Hospital (IT)
- Nini Hospital (LB)
- Ospedale San Giuseppe (IT)
- Link Campus University (IT)
- University of Naples Federico II (IT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of Anesthesia Analgesia and Critical Care
- Published
- 2026-03-04
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s44158-026-00372-0
- Primary Topic
- Maternal and Perinatal Health Interventions
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00