title: [Insertion characteristics and complications of a new spinal needle 26-gauge Atraucan].
abstract: We evaluated the insertion characteristics and complications of a new spinal needle 26-gauge Atraucan (group A) compared with 27-gauge Whitacre (group W) in 100 patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries of the lower extremities. Spinal anesthesia was performed in the lateral decubitus position and 0.40-0.5% tetracaine 1.6-2.5 ml was injected through the L 3/4 or L 4/5 interspace. The tactile appreciation of dural presentation with the needle (dural click) was higher in group W (89.8%) than in group A (42.6%) which the back flow of cerebrospinal fluid was not recognized within three punctures was in 2 cases (4%) in group A and in 1 case (2%) in group W. In these 3 cases, spinal anesthesia was performed easily using 25-gauge Whitacre. In group A, the spinal needle could be inserted without using an introducer in 35 cases (70%). The incidence of the postoperative headache or back pain was low and postdural puncture headache (PDPH) did not occur in both groups. We conclude that 26-gauge Atraucan can be handled easily and useful for preventing PDPH.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia, Toshiba-Rinkan Hospital, Kanagawa.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sakuramoto
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009339:Needles / Q000009:adverse effects; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D013129:Spinal Puncture / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*