Post-dural puncture headache following caesarean section in Nigerian parturients: A comparison of two spinal needles.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of needle diameter of the same tip configuration in the causation of Post Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH).


METHODS
This prospective, single blind, randomised study compares the incidence of PDPH from two spinal needles (Becton Dickinson Whitacre sizes 25 G and 26 G needles) in obstetric patients. One hundred women undergoing elective and emergency Caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia were recruited. Each of the patients was interviewed using a standard questionnaire and reviewed until the seventh day postoperative. Both intraoperative and postoperative complications that occur were promptly treated.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference in the number of attempts at insertion in both groups, although a shorter time was achieved in group25. PDPH occurred in 6.0% of those in group25.


CONCLUSIONS
There was no difference in the insertion characteristics between the two needles.
Fyneface-Ogan
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Department of Anaesthesia, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt.
Mato
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CN
Odagme
M T
MT
D000328:Adult; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002585:Cesarean Section; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D009339:Needles / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009549:Nigeria; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method