Comparison of three spinal needles for elective caesarean section

Abstract

Following ethics committee approval, fit consenting mothers, scheduled for elective caesarean section were randomly allocated to receive spinal anaesthesia via a 24 gauge Sprotte needle (group 1) or a 26 gauge Quincke tip needle (group 2). After 17 subjects, 29 gauge Quincke tip needles (group 3) were substituted for 26 gauge needles due to a high incidence of side-effects. After aseptic preparation, lumbar puncture was performed in the sitting position, with in the case of the Quincke needle, the bevel parallel to the long axis of the patient. Following reflux or aspiration of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), 22.5 ml of 0.5% heavy bupivacaine was administered. Lumbar puncture was ruled unsuccessful if CSF could not be aspirated within four needle passes. The mother was then withdrawn from the study and an alternative spinal needle used. All mothers in the study were kept flat for 2 h after leaving the recovery area, and were