Postdural puncture headache and maternal hemodynamics after single-shot and continuous spinal anesthesia using epidural kit for cesarean section

Abstract

Background The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of postdural puncture headache and maternal hemodynamics after single-dose spinal anesthesia and continuous spinal anesthesia using epidural kit with prophylactic intrathecal saline injection for a cesarean section. Patients and methods Ninety patients scheduled for elective cesarean section were randomly allocated to one of the three groups. Group A (30 patients) received single-dose spinal anesthesia using a 25-G Quincke type point spinal needle. Groups B and C (30 patients each) received continuous spinal anesthesia using 18-G epidural needles and intrathecal 20-G epidural catheters. In group C, the patients received 5 ml normal saline intrathecally before local anesthetic injection and 10 ml just before catheter removal 24 h after insertion. Incidence and severity of postdural puncture headache, block characteristics, patient satisfaction, hemodynamic parameters, and incidence of complications were recorded. Results Significantly longer sensory and motor regression times with higher total bupivacaine dose in group A compared with groups B and C. The hypotension and ephedrine dose needed were significantly more in group A compared with the other two groups. Nausea and vomiting were significantly more in group A compared with the other two groups. Incidence of postdural puncture headache was 16.7% in group B and 10% in both groups A and C. Patient satisfaction was significantly more in group C compared with the other two groups. Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were significantly lower in group A compared with the other two groups at 10, 15, 20, and 25 min Conclusion Incidence of postdural puncture headache with continuous spinal anesthesia with keeping of the intrathecal catheter for 24 h and prophylactic intrathecal saline is comparable to single-dose spinal anesthesia for a cesarean section. It allows using lower doses of local anesthetic with better hemodynamic stability, fewer complications, and better patient satisfaction.