Dr. Lund writes about a subject with which he is well acquainted. He has based his book upon his personal experiences with the administration of "15,000 consecutive epidural anesthetics" as well as an extensive literature survey.
Early in the book the author deals with some basic considerations. This discussion acquaints the reader with the theories of local anesthetic spread and site of action in the epidural space.
Dr. Lund presents a detailed description of the induction of epidural anesthesia. His personal technique, especially as it differs from some of the other accepted practices, makes interesting reading. For example, he usually supplements his premedication with 250 to 500 mg of thiamylal sodium before performing the block. Dr. Lund tells us that this is done to reduce pain and anxiety as well as to avoid recognition by the patient of the block's similarity to spinal anesthesia. Also, after advancing the needle to