ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: We assessed the occurrence of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) in a group of young adults following spinal anaesthesia using a 24-gauge Sprotte needle. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, multicentre, non-randomized study. PATIENTS: This 9 month-long study, included 1,122 patients less than 50 years-old, consisting of 502 women and 620 men. METHODS: Assessment of PDPH after 48 hours and 7 days. RESULTS: PDPH occurred in 0.8 percent of patients. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of age group or gender between the patients. Incidence of PDPH did not depend on type of anaesthetic solution, puncture level or ease of puncture. DISCUSSION: The use of 24-gauge Sprotte needles was associated with a low rate of puncture difficulties. Usual predisposing factors for PDPH, such as age below 50 years and female gender do no longer apply with this type of needle. The rate of puncture difficulties was low (6.7 percent), in contrast with ultra-fine 27 or 29 gauge needles, which sometimes result in puncture failure. Acceptance of the technique was excellent, as 99.38 percent of patients were satisfied. CONCLUSION: The indications of spinal anaesthesia could be extended to young patients, whatever their gender, using a non-traumatic 24-gauge Sprotte needle.
