Obstetric epidural and subarachnoid blocks resulted in accidental dural puncture in 0.91% of epidurals (88% developing headache) and post dural puncture headache in 1.04% of subarachnoid blocks.
Observational (n=23,358)
No
What is the incidence of accidental dural puncture and post dural puncture headache in obstetric anaesthesia?
Accidental dural puncture and post dural puncture headache occur in approximately 1% of obstetric epidural and subarachnoid blocks, requiring clear management protocols.
Post dural puncture headache can be a debilitating complication of epidural and subarachnoid anaesthesia for a new mother. In a survey of 18,337 epidurals and 5021 subarachnoid blocks performed for obstetric procedures over a 23-year period in a district general hospital maternity unit, there were 167 recognised accidental dural punctures after epidurals (0.91%), with 147 patients (88%) developing post dural puncture headache. In addition there were 52 post dural puncture headaches after subarachnoid blocks (1.04%). Successful management of accidental dural puncture and post dural puncture headache requires adherence to clear policies and protocols, with close follow-up of patients by an experienced obstetric anaesthetist.
Sprigge et al. (Fri,) conducted a observational in Obstetric anaesthesia complications (n=23,358). Epidural and subarachnoid anaesthesia was evaluated on Accidental dural puncture and post dural puncture headache. Obstetric epidural and subarachnoid blocks resulted in accidental dural puncture in 0.91% of epidurals (88% developing headache) and post dural puncture headache in 1.04% of subarachnoid blocks.