Changing Trends in the Management of Accidental Dural Puncture during Labor Epidural Analgesia: A Narrative Review and Recent Updates

Abstract

Inadvertent or accidental dural puncture while attempting epidural for labor analgesia is a known anaesthetist complication with potential for post dural puncture headache, increased morbidity, prolonged hospitalisation and overall medical cost. Historically, following accidental dural puncture- resitation of the epidural catheter at another level was the norm. Over the last 2-3 decades, there is a paradigm shift in the management of dural puncture while attempting epidural.