An evaluation of a combined spinal/epidural needle set utilising a 26‐gauge, pencil point spinal needle for Caesarean section

摘要: We have conducted a prospective study into the ease of use and incidence postdural puncture headache with 'Portex' combined spinal/epidural set. The pack contains 16-gauge Tuohy needle standard 8 cm shaft length matching 26-gauge pencil point spinal needle. included 150 consecutive anaesthetics for lower segment Caesarean section. Eighty-eight percent cases fulfilled criteria as technically perfect, i.e. cerebrospinal fluid obtained at first attempt after identifying epidural space. There were two significant requiring blood patch due to by giving an 1.3%. This compares favourably previously reported rates in obstetric patients.