Electron Microscopy of Dural and Arachnoid Disruptions After Subarachnoid Block:

Comparison of spinal anesthesia and local anesthesia in percutaneous interlaminar endoscopic lumbar discectomy for L5/S1 disc herniation: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Interlaminar endoscopic lumbar discectomy (IELD) is a prevalent method for managing lumbar disc herniation. Local anesthesia (LA) is frequently employed during IELD, albeit with its merits and drawbacks. The spinal anesthesia (SA) represents a feasible anesthetic strategy for IELD; however, the availability of clinical research data is currently limited.

METHODS

The propensity score matching was conducted to ensure the comparability of the SA and LA groups. The outcome measures were operation time, intraoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, need for adjuvant analgesia, intraoperative vital signs, blood loss, adverse surgical events, anesthesia-related complications, postoperative bed rest duration, VAS for pain at 2 h postoperatively, Oswestry Disability Index score (ODI), satisfaction with surgical efficacy, and willingness to undergo reoperation at 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Fifty-six patients were assigned to each group. Significant differences were found between the groups regarding intraoperative VAS for pain, use of adjuvant analgesics, willingness to undergo reoperation, maximum intraoperative systolic blood pressure, and variability (P < 0.05). Compared to the LA group, the SA group had lower VAS for pain at 2 h postoperatively, a longer operation time, a longer duration of postoperative bedrest, and more anesthesia-related complications (P < 0.05). No significant intergroup differences were detected in intraoperative heart rate variability, blood loss, ODI, satisfaction with surgical efficacy, and surgery-related complications (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

SA as an alternative anesthesia for IELD surgery holds great promise, exhibiting superior efficacy compared to LA. However, it is crucial to meticulously evaluate the indications due to potential risks associated with this form of anesthesia.

Lumbar Puncture Complications: A Review of Current Literature

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This paper reviews the complications of lumbar puncture with a focus on post-dural puncture headache including pathophysiology, risk factors, prevention, and treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent research has focused on understanding the multifactorial mechanisms of post-dural puncture headache and improving prevention and treatment strategies. Small caliber, pencil-point type needles are encouraged to minimize the risk of post-dural puncture headaches, especially in populations that are at higher risk for complication. While new medications and procedures show promise in small cohorts, conservative medical management and epidural blood patch are still the first and second-line treatments for PDPH. Post-dural puncture headache is the most frequent complication of lumbar puncture. There are both modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors to consider when performing this procedure. Conservative medical management and procedure-based therapies exist for when complications of lumbar puncture arise.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines on postdural puncture headache: a consensus report from a multisociety international working group

INTRODUCTION

Postdural puncture headache (PDPH) can follow unintentional dural puncture during epidural techniques or intentional dural puncture during neuraxial procedures such as a lumbar puncture or spinal anesthesia. Evidence-based guidance on the prevention, diagnosis or management of this condition is, however, currently lacking. This multisociety guidance aims to fill this void and provide practitioners with comprehensive information and patient-centric recommendations to prevent, diagnose and manage patients with PDPH.

METHODS

Based on input from committee members and stakeholders, the committee cochairs developed 10 review questions deemed important for the prevention, diagnosis and management of PDPH. A literature search for each question was performed in MEDLINE (Ovid) on 2 March 2022. The results from each search were imported into separate Covidence projects for deduplication and screening, followed by data extraction. Additional relevant clinical trials, systematic reviews and research studies published through March 2022 were also considered for the development of guidelines and shared with contributors. Each group submitted a structured narrative review along with recommendations graded according to the US Preventative Services Task Force grading of evidence. The interim draft was shared electronically, with each collaborator requested to vote anonymously on each recommendation using two rounds of a modified Delphi approach.

RESULTS

Based on contemporary evidence and consensus, the multidisciplinary panel generated 50 recommendations to provide guidance regarding risk factors, prevention, diagnosis and management of PDPH, along with their strength and certainty of evidence. After two rounds of voting, we achieved a high level of consensus for all statements and recommendations. Several recommendations had moderate-to-low certainty of evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

These clinical practice guidelines for PDPH provide a framework to improve identification, evaluation and delivery of evidence-based care by physicians performing neuraxial procedures to improve the quality of care and align with patients' interests. Uncertainty remains regarding best practice for the majority of management approaches for PDPH due to the paucity of evidence. Additionally, opportunities for future research are identified.

A histology guide for performing human cadaveric studies: SQIP 2024 what to look for with light microscopy

Histological observation under light microscopy has long been used in human cadaveric studies. However, it can distort the interpretations of findings if not used appropriately; there is no guide for its proper use. The aim of this article is to revisit and discuss the correct use of histology in human cadaveric studies, following discussions with experts in multiple fields of medicine, and to create the first guide for such usage. We reached a consensus with the experts, agreeing that when this principle (structure, quantification, interaction, position: SQIP) is applied to histological observations, the findings will be interpreted correctly. Appropriate use of this recommendation can make human cadaveric studies more accurate and informative. This is the first histology guide for human cadaveric studies.

Optimized Method of Unilateral Spinal Anesthesia: A Double-blind, Randomized Clinical Study

Background

Unilateral spinal anesthesia is often accompanied by technical difficulties in implementation, multiple puncture attempts, unsuccessful punctures, and, as a result, insufficient anesthesia, along with various complications associated with a dural puncture.

Objectives

This work compares the efficacy and safety of conventional Unilateral Spinal Anesthesia (USpA) and unilateral spinal anesthesia with electrical nerve stimulation (USpA+ENS).

Methods

A total of 134 patients with an upcoming vascular surgery on one lower extremity were randomly assigned to two groups. All the patients were positioned with the operated limb below and used 7.5 mg of Bupivacaine-Spinal®. In the UsPA group, anesthesia was performed according to the standard technique. In the USpA+ENS group, electrical nerve stimulation was additionally used. Primary outcomes were the presence or absence of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH), number of puncture attempts, lateralization, and anesthesia adequacy. Secondary outcomes were intraoperative pain scores, the presence or absence of nausea and vomiting, and the need for hemodynamics correction.

Results

The frequency of puncture complications was sufficiently lower in the USpA+ENS group than in the UsPA group. The local anesthetic solution distribution, pain score indicators, and secondary outcomes were comparable in both groups with a slight difference.

Conclusions

We showed that USpA+ENS reduces the incidence of puncture complications and improves the quality of anesthesia and adherence of both patients and anesthesiologists to the unilateral spinal anesthesia technique.

Did she have an epidural? The long-term consequences of postdural puncture headache and the role of unintended dural puncture

OBJECTIVE

This narrative literature review examines the long-term impact of postdural puncture headache (PDPH) in postpartum women following an unintended dural puncture (UDP) with a large bore needle commonly used for epidural catheter placement. It seeks to bridge the knowledge gap for the neurologist as to the mounting body of obstetric anesthesia literature on the development of chronic headache after PDPH with this unique needle.

BACKGROUND

Headache is the most common complication of dural puncture, and the risk is greatest in the parturient population. Preexisting risk factors for this population include youth and sex, and after UDP with a large bore needle, almost 70%-80% report a headache. Additionally, there appears to be a significant cohort who experience long-term, persistent headache after UDP.

METHODS

We performed a narrative review of literature using PubMed, searching terms that included long-term follow-up after UDP with a large bore needle in the postpartum population.

RESULTS

In women who had UDP with a large bore needle used for epidural catheter placement at delivery, the rate of chronic debilitating headache is around 30% in the months following delivery and may persist for up to a year or longer.

CONCLUSION

Based on the existing literature, we have mounting evidence that UDP with the large bore needle used to place an epidural catheter should be understood as a high-risk inciting event for the development of long-term headaches not simply a high risk of acute PDPH. Additionally, consideration should be given to stratifying the etiology of PDPH, based on needle type, and recognizing the entity of chronic PDPH, thus allowing for improvements in research and diagnosis.

Validation of a bioabsorbable device that seals perforations after Tuohy needle dural puncture in an ovine model

BACKGROUND

We designed a device to close accidental dural puncture via the offending puncturing epidural needle directly after diagnosis of the puncture and before removing the needle. The aim of this study was to quantify this device's ability to seal cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

METHODS

Forty-six anesthetized adult sheep were studied in a single-blind randomized controlled fashion in two equal groups.An intentional dural puncture was performed with an 18-gage Tuohy needle on all the sheep between L6 and S1 levels. Contrast medium was injected through the needle. Twenty-three animals receive treatment with the sealing device. Two minutes after device placement, or dural puncture in the control group, a CT scan was performed on the animals to estimate contrast material leakage. A region of interest (ROI) was defined as the region that enclosed the subarachnoid space, epidural space, and neuroforaminal canal (the vertebral body above and half of its equivalent height in sacrum below the puncture site). In this region, the total contrast volume and the volumes in the epidural space (EPIDURAL) were measured. The primary outcome measure was the EPIDURAL/ROI ratio to ascertain the proportion of intrathecally injected fluid that passed into the epidural space in both groups. The secondary outcomes were the total amount of contrast in the ROI and the EPIDURAL.

RESULTS

The device was deployed successfully in all but two instances, where it suffered from manufacturing defects.Leakage was less in the study group (1.0 vs 1.4 mL, p=0.008). The median EPIDURAL/ROI ratio was likewise less in the study group (29 vs 46; p=0.013; 95% CI (-27 to -3.5)).

CONCLUSION

This novel dural puncture-sealing device, also envisaged to be used in other comparable iatrogenic leakage scenarios to be identified in the future, was able to reduce the volume of cerebrospinal fluid that leaked into the epidural space after dural puncture. The device is possibly a valuable way of preventing fluid leakage immediately after the recognition of membrane puncture.

A nudge towards better lumbar puncture practice

BACKGROUND

Despite a body of evidence demonstrating reduced incidence of post-lumbar puncture headache associated with pencil-point (vs bevelled-edge) needles, their use remains variable in the UK.

METHODS

A multimodal longitudinal intervention was performed over a 12-month period at a tertiary neurology referral centre. In addition to simulation training using pencil-point needles and an electronic documentation pro forma, a change in the default needles presented in clinical environments was performed.

RESULTS

Prior to the intervention, pencil-point needle usage was minimal. Documentation significantly improved throughout the intervention period. Simulation training interventions only resulted in transient, moderate improvements in pencil-point needle usage. However, changing the default produced a marked increase in use that was sustained. No significant changes in operator success rate were found.

CONCLUSIONS

In the context of wider literature on the power of default options in driving behavioural choices, changing defaults may be an effective, inexpensive and acceptable intervention to improve lumbar puncture practice.

Can Platelet Count and Mean Platelet Volume be Used as Markers of Postdural Puncture Headache in Obstetric Patients?

Objective

In this study, considering the importance of platelet function in inflammatory processes, we explored whether there are relationships of platelet indices with postdural puncture headache (PDPH) and pain developing after use of spinal needles and whether patient characteristics contribute to the development of PDPH.

Methods

This prospective, observational study included 76 patients (Group 1) with PDPH and 93 patients (Group 2) without PDPH. The postoperative hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count (PC), and mean platelet volume (MPV) values were recorded, along with age, blood type, Rh factor, gravida, parity, and gestational age. In addition, the time of the onset of pain was recorded in patients who complained of a postspinal headache.

Results

Hemoglobin and hematocrit values in Group 1 were significantly lower than in Group 2 (both, p=0.024). The PC of Group 1 was significantly higher than that of Group 2 (p < 0.001), whereas the MPV was significantly lower (p < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) values were significant for hemoglobin, hematocrit, PC, and MPV (p=0.022, p=0.024, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, resp.). For MPV, the AUC value was 0.293, sensitivity was 1%, and specificity was 99%. The highest likelihood ratio (LR+) value was 1.22 at a cut-off value of 13.3 fL. For the PC, the AUC value was 0.666, the sensitivity was 9%, and the specificity was 99%, while the highest LR + value was 8.56 at a cut-off value of 352 × 10⁹/L. There was no significant relationship between the parameters examined and the onset of pain.

Conclusion

In this study, the PC was higher and MPV was lower in obstetric patients with PDPH compared with the control group. However, we also found that these two values cannot be used as markers of PDPH.

Is There An Effect On The Development Of Postdural Puncture Headache Of Dural Punction Made With The Spinal Needle In Three Different Orientations During Spinal Anaesthesia Applied To Pregnant Patients?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Postdural punction headache (PDPH) is a well-known and common complication of spinal anesthesia. The relationship between spinal needle size, configuration and perforation characteristics of the spinal needle and non-essential leak continues to be controversial.

METHODS

This prospective-randomized study included 300 patients aged 18-45 years who underwent cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Spinal anesthesia was performed using a 26G Quincke spinal needle in the L3-4, or L4-5 range in the sitting position. Spinal anesthesia was performed with spinal needle sharp tip opening in the Group 1 patients, right or left laterally in Group 2 and caudal in Group 3, transducing the dural fibers transversely to the subarachnoid area, and directing the free opening of the needle to the spine. The patients were visited in the clinic where they were hospitalized at the 24th and 48th hours postoperatively, and phoned on the 3rd and 5th days after discharge, being questioned for PDPH.

RESULTS

It was observed that 64% of patients with PDPH developed within the first 24 hrs, 24% between 24 and 48 hrs and 48-72 hrs in 12%. The incidence of PDPH was 14% in Group 1, 8% in Group 2 and 3% in Group 3. This difference between the groups was statistically significant (p: 0.019). The incidence of PDPH was lower in Group 3 than in Group 1 and Group 2.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that when spinal anesthesia is applied in the obstetric patient group if needle opening faces caudal this method will reduce the frequency of PDPH.