Obstetric Anesthesia Expert Witness

Basis of Dr. Urits's opinions on this topic. Dr. Urits is board certified in Anesthesiology and in Pain Medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology. His opinions about anesthesia care rest on his anesthesia residency, his board certification in Anesthesiology, and his published research. Retaining counsel should confirm expert qualifications under the rules of their jurisdiction.

Obstetric anesthesia cases involve two patients and time-critical decisions. Disputes often center on labor epidurals, the choice and timing of anesthesia for cesarean delivery, neuraxial complications, and recognition and treatment of post-dural puncture headache. Dr. Urits has published on anesthetic techniques for delivery, spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery in complex patients, and post-dural puncture headache in obstetric patients.

Common issues

• Labor epidural placement, management, and complications

• Choice of anesthesia for cesarean delivery (neuraxial versus general) and timing in urgent cases

• Neuraxial anesthesia with low platelets or anticoagulation

• Accidental dural puncture, post-dural puncture headache, and epidural blood patch

• Long-term problems claimed after obstetric neuraxial procedures, such as chronic back pain

Relevant publications by Dr. Urits

• Herman JA, Urits I, Kaye AD, Urman RD, Viswanath O. Racial disparities in obstetric outcomes and anesthetic techniques for deliveries. J Clin Anesth. 2022.

• Shehata IM, …, Urits I, et al. Anesthetic Considerations for Cesarean Delivery After Uterine Transplant. Cureus. 2021.

• Hasoon J, Urits I, Viswanath O, Orhurhu V, Munnur U. Cerebrospinal fluid removal during spinal anaesthesia for caesarean delivery in a patient with idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Anaesthesiol Intensive Ther. 2020.

• Urits I, Cai V, Aner M, et al. Post Dural Puncture Headache, Managed with Epidural Blood Patch, Is Associated with Subsequent Chronic Low Back Pain in Patients. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2020.