International journal of obstetric anesthesia
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2016
Complications of 761 short-term intrathecal macrocatheters in obstetric patients: a retrospective review of cases over a 12-year period.
A continuous spinal catheter is a reliable alternative to standard neuraxial techniques in obstetric anesthesia. Despite the potential advantages of intrathecal catheters, they remain underutilized due to fear of infection, nerve damage or post-dural puncture headache. In our tertiary care center, intrathecal catheters are either placed intentionally in high-risk obstetric patients or following inadvertent dural puncture using a 19-gauge macrocatheter passed through a 17-gauge epidural needle. ⋯ This review demonstrates that intrathecal catheters are dependable and an option for labor analgesia and surgical anesthesia for cesarean delivery. Serious long-lasting complications are rare.
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Int J Obstet Anesth · Feb 2016
ReviewIntracranial subdural haematoma following neuraxial anaesthesia in the obstetric population: a literature review with analysis of 56 reported cases.
Intracranial subdural haematoma is a rare but serious complication of neuraxial anaesthesia. With early diagnosis and treatment, severe neurological sequelae can be avoided. A literature search of intracranial subdural haematoma following neuraxial anaesthesia in obstetric patients was performed. Based on the findings, a flow chart on how to assess postpartum headache following a neuraxial procedure is proposed. ⋯ Intracranial subdural haematoma following neuraxial anaesthesia in obstetric patients is rare but serious complications may result. Vigilance is required whenever a headache becomes non-postural, prolonged and/or whenever focal neurological signs occur.