title: Spinal anaesthesia for outpatient surgery.
abstract: In a prospective study of 51 young male outpatients given spinal anaesthesia through a 25-gauge needle, we found a 37.2% incidence of postdural puncture headache. In addition, 54.9% complained of backache after surgery. Occurrence of headache significantly prolonged the sick-leave from work. General anaesthesia would be preferred by 31.4% of patients for a similar procedure in the future. These patients had a higher incidence of postoperative backache and pain during lumbar puncture. It is concluded that spinal anaesthesia is not a satisfactory technique for outpatient procedures in young men.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Flaatten
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Raeder
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D001416:Back Pain / Q000209:etiology; D004388:Dura Mater / Q000293:injuries; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009339:Needles; D011446:Prospective Studies