To Compare the Incidence of Post-Dural Puncture Headache Using 25G Quincke and 25G Whitacre Spinal Needles in Patients Undergoing Lower Segment Caesarean Section

Abstract

BACKGROUND Spinal anaesthesia is the first preference of anaesthesia in obstetric surgery. Post dural puncture headache (PDPH) is more common after C-section in young parturients. In the present world which is developing and fast-paced, brisk recovery along with minimal side effects & importantly early ambulation are now the need of the hour. This headache is more worrying to the mother who is required to tend to the newborn baby. This study compared the incidence of PDPH subsequent to subarachnoid blockade for lower segment Caesarean section (LSCS) 25G Whitacre & 25G Quincke needles. We wanted to compare the incidence of PDPH using 25G Quincke and 25G Whitacre spinal needles in patients undergoing LSCS. METHODS Two hundred (ASA II) American Society of Anaesthesiologists 11 females who were pregnant and in the age group of 20 - 50 years, planned to get sub-arachnoid blockade for C-section, were assigned randomly into two equal groups (N = 100 each). Both groups received spinal anaesthesia with 25-gauge Quincke and 25 gauge Whitacre needle. Postoperatively, incidence, site, onset, severity and duration of headache was studied. RESULTS The incidence of post spinal headache was 6 % in the Quincke group. No patients in Whitacre group had PDPH. The number of lumbar punctures required for successful sub arachnoid block was recorded in both the groups. 92 % patients from group Q and 88 % patients from group W required only one puncture. 8 % patients from group Q and 12 % patients from group W required two punctures. CONCLUSIONS It is prudent to conclude that 25G Whitacre spinal needle is a better alternative to 25G Quincke needle for reducing the incidence of post dural puncture headache in patients undergoing lower segment Caesarean section. KEY WORDS Spinal Anaesthesia, Post Dural Puncture Headache, Caesarean Section