European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

To Compare the ease of insertion of 26/27G spinal needle with and without short introducer (21G) needle while giving sub arachnoid block(SAB), to assess the number of attempts and the duration of procedure.
Background:
SAB is one of the commonest techniques used in anesthetic practice for obstetric patients and other infra umbilical procedures.          One of it’s most distressing complication is post dural puncture headache(PDPH). Smaller gauge and pencil point needles are designed to reduce PDPH. A 21G introducer needle can be used as a tool for stabilization as it allows for the placement of a fine gauge needle of 26G/27G during SAB. Such needles are used to reduce the incidence of PDPH.
Method:
40 patients who required SAB for infra umbilical procedure were included in this randomized control study. 20 patients were randomly allotted in each group. Group A included patients requiring SAB given with an introducer needle and Group B included patients requiring SAB but without an introducer needle. The ease of insertion, number of attempts and duration of the procedures was assessed. Data was compared using Fisher’s exact test.
Results:
 Analysis of results revealed that while performing SAB ease of insertion was better with introducer needle (P=0.019 ,Group A 95% & Group B 60%) and there is no significant difference in number of attempts between both the groups(P=0.069) and no significant difference in the duration of performing SAB (mean±SD:47.8±9.4 group A vs 46.7±10.7 group B/P=0.7).
Conclusion:
The use of an introducer needle with fine gauge spinal needle for SAB was resulted in easier insertion for obstetrics and all infra umbilical surgical procedures