Dural puncture: the patients' perspective A patient survey of cases at a DGH maternity unit 1983-1993

摘要: Background: This study was designed to investigate the patient experience following accidental dural puncture complicating obstetric epidural analgesia. Methods: Sixty-three patients who had suffered from during analgesia over a ten-year period were sent questionnaire enquiring about their experiences. 68% responded. Results: Headache most severe symptom, occurring in 86% of this group; it lasted for median eight days and recurred after discharge 47%. Backache occurred 70% 58% with backache discharge. Headache considered be worst aspect by 49% responders, 19% bedrest 33%. Bed rest frequently voluntary (as opposed being enforced on medical orders) since many only gained relief headache when supine. Twenty (47%) received blood patch, which effective relieving 14 patients; however, 10 these patients. Only 8 (19%) stated that they aware risk prior epidural, three whom members paramedical professions. Conclusions: are both common 16G needle recur hospital. It strongly expressed opinion selected group all mothers should warned before undergoing analgesia.