PDPH BY USING SAME GAUGE OF NEEDLES

Abstract

There is increase incidence of Lower Segment Caesarian section (LSCS) being performed under sub-arachnoid block (SAB)
because it is relatively safe. One of the complications of SAB is Post Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH) which is very distressing to the patient.
Objective: To observe the incidence of PDPH by using two different types of spinal needle of 25 gauge in females undergoing LSCS under
SAB. Currently, in our setup 25G cutting (quincke) spinal needle is routinely used. Study design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting:
Department of Anesthesia, Officers Family Hospital, Rawalpindi Cantt. Duration of study: 6 months from 15 February 2011 to 15 July 2011.
Material and Method: 100 pregnant patients undergoing elective CD under spinal anaesthesia were randomized into two groups A & B. Group
A received SAB with 25G Quincke needle; Group B- received SAB with 25G pencil-point needle. Follow up was done upto 72 hours after the
surgery. Data obtained through study was analysed through computer software SPSS version 12. Quantitative variables like age, weight and
height are presented as mean and standard deviation. The frequency of PDPH was qualitatively analysed in percentage. The frequency of
PDPH was compared between two groups with the application of Chi-square as test of significance at P- value<0.05. Results: It was found that
the incidence of PDPH with Quincke (cutting tip) needle was significantly higher (7.%) as compared to pencil point needle (0%). Conclusion:
pencil-point spinal needle is associated with lesser incidence of PDPH and should be preferred to Quincke needle to achieve SAB in patients
undergoing LSCS.