Variation in the Duration of Recumbency Post-spinal Anaesthesia in Relation to the Occurrence of Post-dural Puncture Headache

Abstract

Introduction: Post-Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH) remains one of the most dreaded complications of spinal anaesthesia. Duration of recumbency has been considered as a factor in the occurrence of PDPH. Aim: This study aimed to look at the incidence of PDPH among two groups of patients that had six and twelve hours of recumbency post-spinal anaesthesia. Materials and Methods: Patients aged 15 years and above with lower limb pathologies that required surgery under spinal anaesthesia were prospectively recruited into two groups: group A patients had 6 hours of recumbency post spinal anaesthesia while group B had 12 hours. Data on the occurrence of PDPH among the two groups were collected. All patients had dural puncture with either 23G or 25G spinal needles. Results: One hundred and five patients, with mean age of 45.9 years were studied. The M:F was 1.8:1. Forty eight patients had 6 hours of recumbency while fifty seven patients had 12 hour recumbency. The incidence of PDPH in the patients studied was 9.5% with an average Pain Numerical rating score of 6. There was no significant difference in the incidence of PDPH following either 6 or 12 hours of recumbency (p-value <0.5). Conclusion: Six hours of recumbency from the time spinal anaesthesia was administered in the theatre is as safe as 12 hours.

Keywords

• spinal anaesthesia
• recumbency
• lower limb injuries