Post Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH) - A Prospective Study in Tertiary Care Hospital in Solan District (HP)

ABSTRACT

Spinal Anaesthesia is widely practiced anaesthetic technique for sub - umbilical surgical procedures. However the technique is not without complications and Post Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH) remains important amongst such complications. Aims and Objectives: The present study was prospective , was conducted to study the overall incidence of PDPH using 26 G Quincke type spinal needle and to establish its relations( if any) with the age of patient, type of surgery and time to ambulate following the surgery. Methods: A total of 500 patients of ASA I and II were studied. These patients underwent various orthopaedic, general surgical, obstetrical/ gynaecological surgical procedures under Spinal Anaesthesia using 26 G Quincke type spinal needle. All the patients were followed upto 72 hours post operatively for evaluation of PDPH. Results: The incidence of PDPH in the present study was 1.6%. The incidence was higher in female patients (75%). Among the female patients, 50% of patients were those who underwent Caesarean Section. Conclusion: The present study concludes free and widespread use of 26 G Quincke type needle in all patients who require Spinal Anaesthesia irrespective of type of surgery