THE COMPLICATIONS OF SPINAL ANESTHESIA IN OBSTETRIC AND GYNECOLOGICAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES

Abstract

Background: The proper use of spinal anesthesia in surgical procedures will minimize patient’s referral. The objectives of the study were to determine the immediate and late complications of spinal anesthesia in obstetric and gynecological surgical procedures in our population. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Moulvi Ameer Shah Memorial Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan from January 2014 to December 2014. Sample size was 790, selected through consecutive sampling technique. All routine and emergency obstetrical and gynecological cases were included. The exclusion criteria were those having hypotension, shock, coagulopathy, prolonged surgeries, patient’s refusal and local spinal disease. The demographic variables were; number of attempts, failure of anesthesia, vomiting, hypotension, respiratory problems, pain, Puncture site pain, and post dural puncture headache. All variables being categorical were analyzed by frequency and percentages using SPSS Version 16.0. Results: Out of 790 obstetrics and gynecology patients undergoing spinal anesthesia, there were 752 (95.2%) patients anaesthetized on first attempt whereas 38 (4.8%) required >1 attempts. Spinal anesthesia failed in 17 (2.1%) cases, partially failed in 15(1.9%). Post-operative mild hypotension was observed in 25 (3.1%) patients and severe hypotension in 4 (0.5%) cases. Respiratory problems were noted among 12 (1.9%). Patient’s Post-operative pain was observed in 28 (3.5%) patients. Nausea and vomiting were noted in 68 patients (8.6%).Late complications include post-operative mild to moderate pain in 65 (8.2%), severe in 15 (1.9%). Puncture site pain was observed in 8 (1.0%) of patients. Severe post dural puncture headache was noted in 3 (.38%). Conclusion: Spinal anesthesia in obstetric and gynecological surgical patients is easy to administer, safer and effective.