Sprotte Needle for Obstetric Anesthesia: Decreased Incidence of Post Dural Puncture Headache. Issue 1 (January 1992)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ross, Brian K.; Benedetti, C.; Chadwick, H. S.; Mancuso, Joseph J.
• Is Part Of: Regional anesthesia. Volume 17:Issue 1(1992)
• Page Start: 29
• Page End: 33
• Publication Date: 1992-01
• Subjects: Complications -- obstetric anesthesia -- Quincke needle -- spinal anesthesia -- post dural puncture headache -- spinal needle -- Sprotte needle.; Conduction anesthesia -- Periodicals; Pain medicine -- Periodicals; 617.964
• DOI: 10.1136/rapm-00115550-199217010-00006
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0146-521X

Abstract

Abstract : Background and Objectives: Reports have emphasized the importance of spinal needle tip configuration in the development of post dural puncture headache (PDPH). Methods: Charts from 366 consecutive obstetric patients receiving spinal anesthesia for labor, cesarean delivery, postpartum surgical procedures, or postpartum tubal ligations were reviewed retro-spectively for evidence of PDPH in the five days after dural puncture. Spinal anesthesia was administered to these patients using 25-gauge Quincke ( n = 74), 26-gauge Quincke ( n = 160), or 24-gauge Sprotte ( n = 132) spinal needles. Results: The groups were well matched demographically. The incidence of PDPH in the three groups was 9%, 8%, and 1.5%, respectively. Half of the patients developing PDPH in each group were treated with an epidural blood patch. Conclusions: Our data indicate that the Sprotte spinal needle, with its non-cutting tip, results in a significantly lower ( p < 0.05) incidence of PDPH than Quincke cutting-tip needles of smaller gauge.