Factors resulting in underutilization of pediatric spinal anesthesia in South Punjab (Pakistan)

Abstract

Background & objectives: Spinal anesthesia in children a useful alternative to general anesthesia, is not usually practiced in most of the hospitals of South Punjab. We aimed to evaluate the utilization of spinal anesthesia in children in South Punjab (Pakistan) and to discover the elements preventing its use in children. Methodology: A questionnaire was delivered to all 47 FCPS qualified anesthesiologists working in South Punjab vide e-mail and whatsapp messages to them. Out of 47 anesthesiologists, 38 (80.85%) responded. Questionnaire consisted of 3 components. All participants were asked to fill the first component regarding demographic data, but only those who did not administer spinal in children, needed to fill second and third components. In the second component, structured questions with scale 1 to 5 (strongly disagree to strongly agree). In the third component, the participant had open choice to write three most important factors (most important, second most and third most) prohibiting the practice of spinal anesthesia in children. Results: All of the 47 senior anesthesiologists working in South Punjab were included in this survey. The response rate was 80.85%. Demographic data showed 33/38 (87%) males and 05/38 (13%) females, mean age 44.34 ± 11.06 yrs, mean of total experience in anesthesia 17.03 ± 9.12 yrs and mean experience after postgraduation 8.01 ± 6.85 yrs. The number of respondents administering spinal anesthesia in children was just 3 (7.88%) and 35 (92%) never used spinal in children. Lack of expertise/training/guidance (4.69 ± 0.83) is the most common cause prohibiting the use of pediatric spinal anesthesia followed by risk of high/total spinal (4.14 ± 1.31), lack of cooperation of child (3.83 ± 1.34), risk of spinal cord injury (3.71 ± 1.51), difficulty in assessment of block (3.34 ± 1.64). Less common factors avoiding pediatric spinal include objection by family, objection by surgeon and lack of proper recommendations. The number of participants considering lack of expertise/training/guidance most important factors for avoiding spinal anesthesia in children was 9 (25.71%), followed by uncooperative children 8 (22.86%), risk of spinal cord damage 5 (14.28%), risk of high/total spinal 3 (8.57%) and objection by family 3 (8.57%). Other factors quoted were objection by the surgeon, risk of postdural puncture headache, risk of neurological complications, being short duration, not recommended and not acceptable by society. Conclusion: Pediatric spinal anesthesia is practiced by only three consultants (7.88%) in South Punjab out of a total of 47. There is a need to enhance the expertise level of the anesthesiologists during postgraduate training and to remove the fears / phobias attached with this particular practice. Key words: Pediatric; Anesthesia, Spinal; Barriers; South Punjab Citation: Durrani HD, Sadaf S, Naqvi SAA, Siddique A, Bajwa MH. Factors resulting in underutilization of pediatric spinal anesthesia in South Punjab (Pakistan). Anaesth. pain intensive care 2020;24(6):--- Received: 20 August 2020, Reviewed: 17 October 2020, Revised: 25 October 2020, Accepted: 6 October 2020