Dr. Chen Xinzhong from Anesthesiology Department of WHZJU Attends the 58th Congress of the Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology

The Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP), founded in 1968, held its 58th annual congress from May 1 to May 4, 2026 in Montreal, Canada. As one of the most prestigious global gatherings in maternal-fetal medicine, the congress brought together leading experts in anesthesiology, neonatology, and perinatal medicine,  featuring cutting-edge scientific sessions and promoting international collaboration.

Dr. Chen Xinzhong, Chief Physician of the Anesthesiology Department at Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (ZJUWMH), was invited as a distinguished speaker to this global platform. His presentation highlighted China’s latest advancements in obstetric anesthesia research and clinical practice.

Innovative Comparative Study on Labor Analgesia Initiation

Dr. Chen delivered an invited talk titled “Epidural Lidocaine Versus Dural Puncture Epidural Bupivacaine for Initiation of Labor Analgesia: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” The presentation reported a prospective, randomized, double-blind, two-arm parallel controlled trial involving 120 parturients. The key finding was that initiating labor analgesia using lidocaine with sufentanil by epidural analgesia resulted in significantly faster onset compared with bupivacaine with sufentanil by dural puncture epidural (DPE) technique, without compromising labor or neonatal outcomes. This simpler, more cost-effective approach offers a valuable alternative for rapid-onset labor analgesia.

Dr. Chen spoke at a moderate pace with clear articulation and well-structured content, which greatly resonated with the audience. The session attracted a large number of attendees, including distinguished experts such as the immediate past president of SOAP, as well as senior professors in obstetric anesthesia from UCSD and UCSF, and the session moderators. After the talk, they personally came to congratulate Dr. Chen, praising both the quality of his research and his excellent delivery. Many international peers expressed strong interest in the study’s implications for evidence-based practice.

The vibrant academic exchanges continued during Q&A sessions and networking events. Notable discussion points included comparative effectiveness of different analgesic initiation strategies, cost-effectiveness considerations in obstetric anesthesia, and potential for multi-center international trials. Dr. Chen’s participation significantly elevated ZJUWMH’s international profile, with multiple institutions expressing interest in establishing academic partnerships.