Update in Anaesthesia

SPINAL ANAESTHESIA - A Practical Guide

Dr Chris Ankcorn, Lecturer in Anaesthesia, Kumasi, Ghana
Dr William F Casey frca, Consultant Anaesthetist, Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Gloucester, UK

Spinal anaesthesia is induced by injecting small pressure and heart rate, and improved venous
amounts of local anaesthetic into the cerebro-spinal drainage which results in less oozing.
fluid (CSF). The injection is usually made in the
Splanchnic blood flow. Because of its effect on
lumbar spine below the level at which the spinal
increasing blood flow to the gut, spinal anaesthesia
cord ends (L2). Spinal anaesthesia is easy to perform
reduces the incidence of anastomotic dehiscence.
and has the potential to provide excellent operating
conditions for surgery below the umbilicus. Visceral tone. The bowel is contracted by spinal
anaesthesia and sphincters relaxed although
If the anaesthetist has an adequate knowledge of the
peristalsis continues. Normal gut function rapidly
relevant anatomy, physiology and pharmacology,
returns following surgery.
safe and satisfactory anaesthesia can easily be
obtained to the mutual satisfaction of the patient, Coagulation. Post-operative deep vein thromboses
surgeon and anaesthetist. and pulmo­nary emboli are less common following
spinal anaesthesia.
The Advantages of Spinal Anaesthesia
Disadvantages of Spinal Anaesthesia
Cost. Anaesthetic drugs and gases are costly and
the latter often difficult to transport. The costs 1. When an anaesthetist is learning a new technique,
associated with spinal anaesthesia are minimal. it will take longer to perform than when he is more
practised, and it would be wise to let the surgeon
Patient satisfaction. If a spinal anaesthetic and
know that induction of anaesthesia may be longer
the ensuing surgery are performed skillfully,
than usual. Once competent, however, spinal
the majority of patients are very happy with the
anaesthesia can be very swiftly performed.
technique and appreciate the rapid recovery and
absence of side-effects. 2. Occasionally, it is impossible to locate the dural
space and obtain CSF and the technique has to be
Respiratory disease. Spinal anaesthesia produces
abandoned. Rarely, despite an apparently faultless
few adverse effects on the respiratory system as
technique, anaesthesia is not obtained.
long as unduly high blocks are avoided.
3. Hypotension may occur with higher blocks and
Patent airway. As control of the airway is not
the anaesthetist must know how to manage this
compromised, there is a reduced risk of airway
situationsituation with the necessary resuscitative
obstruction or the aspiration of gastric contents. This
drugs and equip­ment immediately to hand. As with
advantage may be lost with too much sedation.
general anaesthesia, continuous, close monitoring
Diabetic patients. There is little risk of unrecognised of the patient is mandatory.
hypoglycaemia in an awake patient. Diabetic
4. Some patients are not psychologically suited
patients can usually return to their normal food
to be awake, even if sedated, during an operation.
and insulin regime soon after surgery as there is
They should be identified during the preoperative
less sedation, nausea and vomiting.
assessment.
Muscle relaxation. Spinal anaesthesia provides
5. Even if a long-acting local anaesthetic is used, a
excellent muscle relaxation for lower abdominal
spinal is not suitable for surgery lasting longer than
and lower limb surgery.
approximately 2 hours. If an operation unexpectedly
Bleeding. Blood loss during operation is less than lasts longer than this, it may be necessary to convert
when the same operation is done under general to a general anaesthetic.
anaesthesia. This is as a result of a decreased blood
Update in Anaesthesia

6. There is a theoretical risk of introducing infection

Clotting disorders. If bleeding occurs into the
into the subarachnoid space and causing meningitis. epidural space because an epidural vein has been
This should never happen if equipment is sterilised punctured by the spinal needle, a haematoma could
properly and an aseptic technique is used. form and compress the spinal cord. Patients with a
7. A postural headache may occur postoperatively. low platelet count or receiving anticoagulant drugs
This should be rare: see later. such as heparin or warfarin are at risk. Remember
that patients with liver disease may have abnormal
Indications for Spinal Anaesthesia clotting profiles whilst low platelet counts as well
Spinal anaesthesia is best reserved for operations as abnormal clotting can occur in pre-eclampsia.
below the umbilicus e.g. hernia repairs, gynaeco- Hypovolaemia from whatever cause e.g. bleeding,
logical and urological operations and any operation dehydration due to vomiting, diarrhoea or bowel
on the perineum or genitalia. All operations on obstruction. Patients must be adequately rehydrated
the leg are possible, but an amputation, though or resuscitated before spinal anaesthe­sia or they
painless, may be an unpleasant experience for an will become very hypotensive.
awake patient. In this situation it may be kinder to
supplement the spinal with generous sedation or a Any sepsis on the back near the site of lumbar
light general anaesthetic. puncture.

Spinal anaesthesia is especially indicated for older Patient refusal. Patients may be understandably
patients and those with systemic disease such as apprehensive and initially state a preference for
chronic respiratory disease, hepatic, renal and en- general anaesthesia, but if the advantages of spinal
docrine disorders such as diabetes. Most patients anaesthesia are explained they may then agree to
with mild cardiac disease benefit from the vasodi- the procedure and be pleasantly surprised at the
lation that accompanies spinal anaesthesia except outcome. If, despite adequate explanation, the
those with stenotic valvular disease or uncontrolled patient still refuses spinal anaesthesia, their wishes
hypertension. should be respected.

It is suitable for managing patients with trauma if Uncooperative patients. Although spinal
they have been adequately resuscitated and are not anaesthesia is suit­able for children, their cooperation
hypovolaemic. In obstetrics, it is ideal for manual is necessary and this must be carefully assessed at the
removal of a retained placenta (again, provided there pre-operative visit. Likewise, mentally handicapped
is no hypovolaemia). There are definite advan­tages patients and those with psychiatric problems need
for both mother and baby in using spinal anaesthesia careful pre-operative assessment.
for Caesarean section. However, special consid- Septicaemia. Due to the presence of infection
erations apply to managing spinal anaesthesia in in the blood there is a possiblity of such patients
pregnant patients (see later) and it is best to become developing meningitis if a haematoma forms at the
experienced in its use in the non-pregnant patient site of lumbar puncture and becomes infected.
before using it for obstetrics.
Anatomical deformities of the patient’s back. This
Contra-indications to Spinal Anaesthesia is a relative contraindication, as it will probably only
Most of the contra-indications to spinal anaesthesia serve to make the dural puncture more difficult.
apply equal­ly to other forms of regional anaesthesia. Neurological disease. The advantages and
These include: disadvantages of spinal anaesthesia in the presence
Inadequate resuscitative drugs and equipment. of neurological disease need careful assessment.
No regional anaesthetic technique should be at- Any worsening of the disease postoperatively may
tempted if drugs and equipment for resuscitation be blamed erroneously on the spinal anaesthetic.
are not immediately to hand. Raised intracranial pressure, however, is an absolute
contra-indication as a dural puncture may precipitate
coning of the brain stem.
 Update in Anaesthesia

Reluctant surgeon. If a surgeon is unhappy Anatomy

operating on an awake patient or if he is relatively
The spinal cord usually ends at the level of L2
unskilled, spinal anaesthe­sia may be better in adults and L3 in children. Dural puncture
avoided. above these levels is associated with a slight risk
Physiology of Spinal Anaesthesia of damaging the spinal cord and is best avoided.
Local anaesthetic solution injected into the An important landmark to remember is that
subarachnoid space blocks conduction of impulses a line joining the top of the iliac crests is at L4
along all nerves with which it comes in contact, to L4/5
although some nerves are more easily blocked Remember the structures that the needle will pierce
than others. before reaching the CSF (fig 1.).
There are three classes of nerve: motor, sensory The skin. It is wise to inject a small bleb of local
and autonomic. The motor convey messages for anaesthetic into the skin before inserting the spinal
muscles to contract and when they are blocked, needle.
muscle paralysis results. Sensory nerves transmit Subcutaneous fat. This, of course, is of variable
sensations such as touch and pain to the spinal thickness. Identifying the intervertebral spaces is
cord and from there to the brain, whilst autonomic far easier in thin patients.
nerves control the calibre of blood vessels, heart
rate, gut contraction and other functions not under The supraspinous ligament which joins the tips
conscious control. of the spinous processes together.
Generally, autonomic and pain fibres are blocked The interspinous ligament which is a thin flat
first and motor fibres last. This has several important band of ligament running between the spinous
consequences. For example, vasodilation and a drop processes.
in blood pressure may occur when the autonomic The ligamentum flavum is quite thick, up to about
fibres are blocked and the patient may be aware of 1cm in the middle and is mostly composed of elastic
touch and yet feel no pain when surgery starts. tissue. It runs vertically from lamina to lamina.
There are practical implications associated with When the needle is within the ligaments it will feel
these physiological phenomena. gripped and a distinct "give" can often be felt as it
passes through and into the epidural space.
- The patient should be well hydrated before the
local anaesthetic is injected and should have an The epidural space contains fat and blood vessels.
intravenous infusion in place so that further fluids If blood comes out of the spinal needle instead of
or vasoconstrictors can be given if hypo­tension CSF when the stylet is removed, it is likely that
occurs. an epidural vein has been punctured. The needle
should simply be advanced a little further.
- The site to be operated on should not be repeatedly
touched and the patient asked "Can you feel this?" The dura. After feeling a "give" as the needle
as this increases the patient’s anxiety. Often some passes through the ligamentum flavum, a similar
sensation of touch or movement remains and yet sensation may be felt when the needle is advanced
no pain is felt. It is better to pinch the skin gently a short distance further and pierces the dural sac.
either with artery forceps or fingers and ask if it is The subarachnoid space. This contains the
painful. If it is not then surgery can begin. spinal cord and nerve roots surrounded by CSF.
An injection of local anaesthetic will mix with the
CSF and rapidly block the nerve roots with which
it comes in contact.
Update in Anaesthesia

Ligamentum
of action. Lignocaine from multi-dose vials should
flavum not be used for intrathecal injection as it contains
Intervertebral disc potentially harmful preservatives.
Superficial tissues
Cinchocaine (Nupercaine, Dibucaine, Percaine,
Sovcaine). 0.5% hyperbaric (heavy) solution is
similar to bupivacaine.
Amethocaine (Tetracaine, Pantocaine, Pontocaine,
Decicain, Butethanol, Anethaine, Dikain). A 1%
solution can be prepared with dextrose, saline or
water for injection.
Mepivacaine (Scandicaine, Carbocaine, Meaverin).
A 4% hyperbaric (heavy) solution is similar to
Ant. long. lignocaine.
ligament
Supraspinous Post. long. Spinal Anaesthesia and Common Medical
ligament ligament Vertebral body
Interspinous
ligament Conditions
Respiratory Disease. A low spinal block has no
Figure 1. Section of lumbar vertebrae to show the effect on the respiratory system and is therefore
ligaments. ideal for patients with respiratory disease unless
they cough a lot. Frequent coughing results in less
than ideal conditions for the surgeon. A high spinal
Local Anaesthetics for Spinal Anaesthesia block can pro­duce intercostal muscle paralysis, but
Local anaesthetic agents are either heavier this does not usually create any problems, unless the
(hyperbaric), lighter (hypobaric), or have the same patient is very limited by his respiratory disease.
specific gravity (isobaric) as the CSF. Hyperbaric Hypertension. Hypertension is not a contra-
solutions tend to spread below the level of the indication to spinal anaesthe­sia but, ideally, it
injection, while isobaric solutions are not influenced should be controlled before any anaesthetic is
in this way. It is easier to predict the spread of administered. Hypertensive patients should have
spinal anaesthesia when using a hyperbaric agent. their blood pressure closely monitored during
Isobaric preparations may be made hyperbaric by the anaesthetic and any episode of hypotension
the addition of dextrose. Hypobaric agents are not vigorously treated.
generally available. The other factors affecting the Sickle cell disease/trait. Spinal anaesthesia may be
spread of local anaesthetic agents when used for advantageous for patients with sickle cell disease.
spinal blocks are described later. Follow the same rules as for general anaes­thesia:
Bupivacaine (Marcaine). 0.5% hyperbaric (heavy) ensure that the patient is well oxygenated, well
bupivacaine is the best agent to use if it is available. hydrated and not allowed to become hypotensive.
0.5% plain bupivacaine is also popular. Bupi­vacaine Consider warming the intravenous fluids and do
lasts longer than most other spinal anaesthetics: not allow the patient to become cold. Avoid the
usually 2-3 hours. use of tourniquets.
Lignocaine (Lidocaine/Xylocaine). Best results are Pre-operative Visit
obtained with 5% hyperbaric (heavy) lignocaine Patients should be told about their anaesthetic during
which lasts 45-90 minutes. 2% lignocaine can the pre-operative visit. It is important to explain that
also be used but it has a much shorter duration of although spinal anaesthesia abolishes pain, they may
action. If 0.2ml of adrenaline 1:1000 is added to be aware of some sensation in the relevant area, but
the lignocaine, it will usefully prolong its duration it will not be uncomfortable and is quite normal. It
should also be explained that their legs
 Update in Anaesthesia

will become weak or feel as if they don’t belong to

them any more. They must be reassured that, if they
feel pain they will be given a general anaesthetic.
Premedication is not always necessary, but if a
patient is appre­hensive, a benzodiazepine such as 5-
10 mg of diazepam may be given orally 1 hour before
the operation. Other sedative or narcotic agents may
also be used. Anticholinergics such as atropine or
scopolamine (hyoscine) are unnecessary.
Pre-loading
All patients having spinal anaesthesia must have
a large intravenous cannula inserted and be given Extension
intravenous fluids immediately before the spinal. Figure 2. Effect of flexion and extension on the lumbar
The volume of fluid given will vary with the age intervertebral space in the lumbar region.
of the patient and the extent of the proposed
This can best be achieved by sitting the patient on
block. A young, fit man having a hernia repair
the operating table and placing their feet on a stool.
may only need 500 mls. Older patients are not
If they then rest their forearms on their thighs, they
able to compensate as efficiently as the young for
can main­tain a stable and comfortable position.
spinal-induced vasodilation and hypotension and
may need 1000mls for a similar procedure. If a
high block is planned, at least a 1000mls should
be given to all patients. Caesarean section patients
need at least 1500 mls.
The fluid should preferably be normal saline
or Hartmann’s solution. 5% dextrose is readily
Crest
metabolised and so is not effective in maintaining of
L3
the blood pressure. L4 ileum
L5
Positioning the Patient for Lumbar Puncture
Lumbar puncture is most easily performed when
there is maximum flexion of the lumbar spine.

Figure 3. Ideal sitting position for spinal anaesthesia.

Alternatively, the procedure can be performed with

the patient lying on their side with their hips and
knees maximally flexed. An assistant may help
to maintain the patient in a comfortable curled
position. The sitting position is preferable in the
obese whereas the lateral is better for uncooperative
or sedated patients. The anaesthetist can either sit
or kneel whilst performing the block.

Flexion
Update in Anaesthesia

Factors Effecting the Spread of the Local Knees drawn up to chest

Hips vertical
Anaesthetic Solution
A number of factors effect the spread of the injected
local anaesthetic solution within the CSF and the
ultimate extent of the block obtained. Among
these are:
- the baricity of the local anaesthetic
solution Back in flexion
at edge of table Shoulders vertical
- the position of the patient
- the concentration and volume injected Female
- the level of injection
- the speed of injection
The specific gravity of the local anaesthetic
solution can be altered by the addition of dextrose.
Concentrations of 7.5% dextrose make the local Male
anaesthetic hyperbaric (heavy) relative to CSF
and also reduce the rate at which it diffuses and
mixes with the CSF. Isobaric and hyperbaric
solutions both produce reliable blocks. The most
Figure 4. Note how the level of the subarachnoid space
controllable blocks are probably produced by varies between male and female
injecting hyperbaric solutions and then altering the
patient’s position.
If a patient is kept sitting for several minutes after the Although the level of injection will obviously effect
injection of a small volume of a hyperbaric solution which dermatomes are blocked, spinal injections
of local anaes­thetic, a classical saddle block of the tend to be performed only in the lower lumbar
perineum will result. The spinal column of patients region. The extent of the block is influenced more
lying on their side is rarely truly horizontal. Males by the volume injected and the position of the
tend to have wider shoulders than hips and so are patient than the actual interspace at which the
in a slight "head up" position when lying on their injection occurs.
sides, whilst for females with their wider hips, the The speed of injection has a slight effect on the
opposite is true. Regardless of the position of the eventual extent of the block. Slow injections
patient at the time of injection and whatever the result in a more predict­able spread while rapid
initial extent of the block obtained, the level of the injections produce eddy currents within the CSF
block may change if the patient’s position is altered and a somewhat less predictable outcome.
within twenty minutes of the injection.
Finally, increased abdominal pressure from
The quantity of local anaesthetic (in milligrams) whatever cause (preg­nancy, ascites etc) can lead to
injected will determine the quality of the block engorgement of the epidural veins, compression of
obtained whilst its extent will also be determined by the dura and hence a reduction in the volume of the
the volume in which it is injected. Large volumes CSF. A given quantity of local anaesthetic injected
of concentrated solutions will, thus, produce dense into the CSF might then be expected to produce a
blockade over a large area. more extensive block.
 Update in Anaesthesia

Quantities of Local Anaesthetics to Use Table 2.

The degree of spinal blockade needed, as measured
by the height of the block, will depend on the Type of block Hyperbaric Plain Hyperbaric
operation to be performed. Bupivacaine Bupivacaine Lignocaine

Saddle block, 2ml 3ml 1ml

Table 1. eg operations
on genitalia,
perineum
Level Surgical Procedure
Lumbar block, 3-3.5ml 3-3.5ml 2ml
T4-5 (Nipple) Upper abdominal surgery eg operations
T6-8 (Xiphisternum) Lower abdominal surgery incl. on legs
caesarean section, renal
surgery, hernia Mid-thoracic 3-4ml 3-4ml 2ml
T10 (Umbilicus) Prostatic and vaginal surgery block, eg hernia,
incl. forceps delivery, hip hysterectomy
surgery
L1 (Groin) Lower limb surgery
S2 (Perineum) Perineal and rectal surgery
The volumes of local anaesthetic shown in Table 2
should be considered only as a guideline. The lower
For certain blocks, less local anaesthetic is needed volumes suggested should generally be in­jected
when hyperbaric rather than plain solutions are used. in particularly small people. More may have to be
Special considerations apply to obstetric patients given if the re­sultant block is not high enough for
and so the following chart does not apply to them the proposed operation. Hyperbaric agents are more
(see later section). reliable when trying for a mid-thoracic block.
Preparation for Lumbar Puncture
Assemble the necessary equipment on a sterile
C2 surface. It will include:
C2,3
A spinal needle. The ideal would be 24-25 gauge
C3,4
TH2 with a pencil point tip to minimise the risk of the
TH3
TH4 C
TH2
patient developing a post-spinal headache.
TH5 5,6
TH6
TH7 An introducer, if using a fine gauge needle as they
TH8 TH1,2
TH9 are thin and flexible, and therefore difficult to direct
TH10 C5,6
TH11 C8 TH1
accurately. A standard 19 gauge (white) disposable
TH12 needle is suitable for use as an introducer.
L1 C5,6 A 5ml syringe for the spinal anaesthetic solution.
L12
A 2 ml syringe for local anaesthetic to be used for
C6,7,8
skin infiltration.
S2,3 C8 TH1
L2,5 A selection of needles for drawing up the local
anaesthetic solutions and for infiltrating the skin.
A gallipot with a suitable antiseptic for cleaning the
L3,4
skin, eg chlorhexidine, iodine, or methyl alcohol.
L5 S1,2
Sterile gauze swabs for skin cleansing.

L5 S1
A sticking plaster to cover the puncture site.
L S1,2
4,5

Figure 5. Diagram of dermatones

Update in Anaesthesia

The local anaesthetic to be injected intrathecally that the needle is inserted and stays in the midline
should be in a single use ampoule. Never use local and that the bevel is directed laterally. It is angled
anaesthetic from a multi-dose vial for intrathecal slightly cephalad (towards the head) and slowly
injection. Spare equipment and drugs should be advanced. An increased resistance will be felt as the
readily available if needed. needle enters the ligamentum flavum, followed by
a loss of resistance as the epidural space is entered.
Performing the Spinal Injection
Another loss of resistance may be felt as the dura is
It is assumed that the patient has been adequately pierced and CSF should flow from the needle when
prepared, has had the procedure fully explained, the stylet is removed. If bone is touched, the needle
has reliable intravenous access, is in a comfortable should be withdrawn a centimetre or so and then
position and that resuscitation equipment is immedi­ re-advanced in a slightly more cephalad direction
ately available. again ensuring that it stays in the midline.
1. Scrub and glove up carefully.
2. Check the equipment on the sterile trolley.
3. Draw up the local anaesthetic to be injected
intrathecally into the 5ml syringe, from the ampoule
opened by your assistant. Read the label. Draw
up the exact amount you intend to use, ensuring
that your needle does not touch the outside of the
ampoule (which is unsterile).
4 Draw up the local anaesthetic to be used for skin 10o
infiltration into the 2ml syringe. Read the label. (A) Direction
of needles for
5. Clean the patient’s back with the swabs and midline approach
antiseptic ensuring that unsterile skin is not touched
by your gloves. Swab radially outwards from the
proposed injection site. Discard the swab and repeat
several times making sure that a sufficiently large
area is cleaned. Allow the solution to dry on the
skin.
6. Locate a suitable interspinous space. You may
have to press hard to feel the spinous processes in
an obese patient.
7. Raise an intradermal wheal of local anaesthetic 15o
with a disposable 25 gauge needle at the proposed
puncture site. 15o
8. Insert the introducer if using a 24-25 gauge
needle. Ideally it should be advanced into the (B) Direction of needle
interspinous ligament but care should be exercised for lateral approach
in thin patients that an inadvertent dural puncture
does not occur. 10. If a 25 gauge spinal needle is being used, be
prepared to wait 20-30 seconds for CSF to appear
9. Insert the spinal needle (through the introducer, if after the stylet has been withdrawn. If no CSF
applicable). Ensure that the stylet is in place so that appears, replace the stylet and advance the needle
the tip of the needle does not become blocked a little further and try again.
by a tiny particle of tissue or clot. It is imperative
10 Update in Anaesthesia

11. When CSF appears, take care not to alter the This is performed by inserting the spinal needle
position of the spinal needle as the syringe of local about 1cm lateral to the mid line at the level of the
anaesthetic is being attached. The needle is best upper border of a spinous process, then directing it
immobilised by resting the back of the non-dominant both cephalad and medially. If bone is contacted it
hand firmly against the patient and by using the is likely to be the vertebral lamina. It should then
thumb and index finger to hold the hub of the be possible to "walk" the needle off the bone and
needle. Be sure to attach the syringe firmly to the into the epi­dural space, then advance through it to
hub of the needle; hyperbaric solutions are viscous pierce the dura (fig. 6 ).
and resistance to injection will be high, especially Assessing the Block
through fine gauge needles. It is, therefore, easy
to spill some of the local anaesthetic unless care Some patients are very poor at describing what
is taken. they do or do not feel, therefore, objective signs
are valuable. If, for example, the patient is unable
12. Aspirate gently to check the needle tip is to lift his legs from the bed, the block is at least up
still intrathecal and then slowly inject the local to the mid-lumbar region.
anaesthetic. When the injection is complete,
withdraw the spinal needle, introducer and syringe It is unnecessary to test sensation with a sharp
as one and apply a sticking plaster to the puncture needle and leave the patient with a series of bleeding
site. puncture wounds. It is better to test for a loss of
temperature sensation using a swab soaked in either
Practical Problems ether or alcohol. Do this by first touching the patient
The spinal needle feels as if it is in the right with the damp swab on the chest or arm (where
position but no CSF flows. Wait at least 30 sensation is normal), so that they appreciate that
seconds, then try rotating the needle 90 degrees and the swab feels cold. Then work up from the legs and
wait again. If there is still no CSF, attach an empty lower abdomen until the patient again appreciates
2ml syringe and inject 0.5-1ml of air to ensure the that the swab feels cold.
needle is not blocked then use the syringe to aspirate If the replies are inconsistent or equivocal, the
whilst slowly withdrawing the spinal needle. Stop patient can be gently pinched with artery forceps
as soon as CSF appears in the sy­ringe. or fingers on blocked and unblocked segments and
Blood flows from the spinal needle. Wait a short asked if they feel pain. Using this method, there is
time. If the blood becomes pinkish and finally clear, rarely any difficulty in ascertaining the extent of
all is well. If blood only continues to drip, then it the block.
is likely that the needle tip is in an epidural vein Surgeons should be dissuaded from prodding the
and it should be advanced a little further or angled patient and asking "can you feel this?". Surgeons
more medially to pierce the dura. and patients should be reminded that when a block
The patient complains of sharp, stabbing leg is successful, a patient may still be aware of touch
pain. The needle has hit a nerve root because it has but will not feel pain.
deviated laterally. Withdraw the needle and redirect Problems with the Block
it more medially away from the affected side.
No apparent block at all. If after 10 minutes the
Wherever the needle is directed, it seems to patient still has full power in the legs and normal
strike bone. Make sure the patient is still properly sensation, then the block has failed probably because
positioned with as much lumbar flexion as possible the injection was not intrathecal. Try again.
and that the needle is still in the mid-line. If you
think that you are not in the midline check with the The block is one-sided or is not high enough on
patient which side they feel the needle. Alternatively, one side.
if the patient is elderly and cannot bend very much a). When using a hyperbaric solution, lie the patient
or has heavily calcified interspinous ligaments, it on the side that is inadequately blocked for a few
might bebetter to attempt a lateral approach to the minutes and adjust the table so that the patient
dura. is slightly "head down".
Update in Anaesthesia

b). When using an isobaric solution, lie the patient It is generally considered good practice for all
on the side that is blocked. (Moving a patient patients undergoing surgery under spinal anaesthesia
around in any way at all in the first 10-20 minutes to be given supplemental oxygen by face mask at a
following injection will tend to increase the height rate of 2-4 litres/minute, especially if sedation has
of the block). also been given.
Block not high enough. Treatment of Hypotension
a). When using a hyperbaric solution, tilt the Hypotension is due to vasodilation and a functional
patient head down whilst they are supine (lying decrease in the effective circulating volume. The
on the back), so that the solution can run up the treatment is, therefore, to reverse the vasodilatation
lumbar curvature. Flatten the lumbar curvature with vasoconstrictor drugs and in­crease the
by raising the patients knees. circulating volume by giving fluids. All hypotensive
b). When using a plain solution turn the patient a patients should be given OXYGEN by mask until
complete circle from supine to prone (lying on the the blood pressure is re­stored.
front) and back to supine again. A simple and effective way of rapidly increasing
Block too high. The patient may complain of the patient’s circulating volume is by raising their
difficulty in breathing or tingling in the arms or legs thus increasing the return of venous blood to
hands. Do not tilt the table "head up". (See later the heart. This can either be done manually by an
under ‘Treatment of a total spinal.’) assistant or by tilting the lower half of the operating
table. Tilting the whole operating table head down
Nausea or vomiting. This may occur with high will also achieve the same effect, but is unwise if a
spinal blocks which may be associated with hyperbaric spinal anaesthetic has been injected in the
hypotension. Check the blood pressure and treat preceding 15 minutes as it will result in the block
accordingly. (See later) spreading higher and the hypotension becoming
Shivering. This occurs occasionally. Reassure the more severe. If an isobaric spinal solution has
patient and give oxygen by mask. been used, tilting the table at any time will have
very little effect on the height of the block.
Monitoring
Increase the speed of the intravenous infusion to
It is essential to monitor the respiration, pulse and
maximum until the blood pressure is restored to
blood pressure closely. The blood pressure can
acceptable levels and, if the pulse is slow, give
fall precipitously following induction of spinal
atropine intravenously. Vasoconstrictors should be
anaesthesia, particularly in the elderly and those
given immediately if the hypotension is severe, and
who have not been adequate­ly preloaded with fluid.
to patients not responding to fluid therapy.
Warning signs of falling blood pressure include
pallor, sweating or complaining of nausea or feeling Vasopressors
generally unwell. Ephedrine is probably the vasopressor of choice.
A moderate fall in systolic blood pressure to, say, It causes peripheral blood vessels to constrict and
80mmHg in a young fit patient or 100mmHg in an raises the cardiac output by increasing the heart
older patient is acceptable, provided the patient looks rate and the force of myocardial contraction. It
and feels well and is adequately oxygenated. is safe for use in pregnancy as it does not reduce
placental blood flow.
Bradycardia is quite common during spinal
anaesthesia particularly if the surgeon is manipulating Ephedrine is generally available in 25 or 30 mg
the bowel or uterus. If the patient feels well, and ampoules. It is best diluted to 10mls with water for
the blood pressure is maintained, then it is not injections and then given in increments of 1-2ml
necessary to give atropine. If, however, the heart (2.5-6mg) titrated against the blood pressure. Its
rate drops below 50 beats per minute or there is effect generally lasts about 10 minutes and it may
hypotension, then atropine 300-600mcg should be need repeating. Alternatively, the ampoule may be
given intravenously. added to a bag of intravenous fluid and the rate
of infusion altered to maintain the desired blood
12 Update in Anaesthesia

It can also be given intramuscularly but its onset Bradycardia - give atropine
time is delayed although its duration is prolonged. Increasing anxiety - reassure.
Larger doses are necessary when it is given
intramuscularly. Numbness or weakness of the arms and hands,
indicating that the block has reached the cervico-
Other Vasopressors thoracic junction.
Metaraminol (Aramine). It is supplied in Difficulty breathing - as the intercostal nerves are
10mg ampoules and should be diluted and used blocked the patient may state that they can’t take a
incrementally (1-5mg) as with ephedrine. It has a deep breath. As the phrenic nerves (C 3,4,5) which
slower onset time (at least 2 minutes after intravenous supply the diaphragm become blocked, the patient
injection) but lasts longer (20-60 minutes) will initially be unable to talk louder than a whisper
Methoxamine (Vasoxine). It is available in 20mg and will then stop breathing.
ampoules and is best diluted before injection. Loss of consciousness.
Suitable adult doses are 2.5-5mg. It is a pure
peripheral vasoconstrictor and reflex bradycardia, Action:
needing treatment with atropine can occur. Ask for help - several pairs of hands may be
Phenylephrine. A pure peripheral vasoconstrictor useful!
which is available in 10mg ampoules. Dilute before Intubate and ventilate the patient with 100%
use. Suitable adult doses for intravenous use are oxygen.
100-200mcg which last about 15 minutes. A reflex
Treat hypotension and bradycardia with
bradycardia may occur.
intravenous fluids, atropine and vasopressors as
Noradrenaline (Levophed). A powerful vasocon- described earlier. If treatment is not started quickly
strictor available in 2mg ampoules which must be the combination of hypoxia, bradycardia and
diluted in 1000ml of intravenous fluid before use. hypotension may result in a cardiac arrest.
It is then given at an initial rate of 2-3ml/minute
Ventilation will need to be continued until the spinal
and thereafter titrated against the blood pressure.
block recedes and the patient is able to breathe
Control the infusion with the utmost care.
again unaided. The time this will take will depend
Adrenaline/Epinephrine. Available as 1mg/ml on which local anaesthetic has been injected.
(1:1,000) and 1mg/10ml (1:10,000) ampoules.
Once the airway has been controlled and the
Dilute 1ml of 1:1,000 adrenaline to at least 10ml
circulation restored, consider sedating the patient
with saline and give increments of 50mcg (0.5ml
with a benzodiazepine as consciousness may return
of 1:10,000) repeating as necessary. Monitor the
before muscle power.
effect of adrenaline closely - it is a very powerful
drug but only lasts a few minutes. General Postoperative Care
Treatment of Total Spinal The patient should be admitted to the recovery room
as with any other anaesthetised patient. In the event
Although rare, total spinals can occur with
of hypotension in the recovery room, the nurses
frightening rapidity and result in the death of the
should know to elevate the legs, increase the rate
patient if not quickly recognised and treated. They
at which intravenous fluids are being administered,
are more likely to occur when a planned epidural
give oxygen and summon the anaesthetist. Further
injection is, inadvertently, given intrathecally. The
doses of vasoconstrictors or fluids may be required,
warning signs that a total spinal block is developing
particularly if surgical bleeding continues.
are:
Patients should be advised as to how long their spinal
Hypotension - treat as detailed above. Remember
block will last and be told to remain in bed until
that nausea may be the first sign of hypotension.
full sensation and muscle power has returned.
Update in Anaesthesia

Complications of Spinal Anaesthesia As the sacral autonomic fibres are among the last
to recover following a spinal anaesthetic, urinary
Headache: a characteristic headache may occur
retention may occur. If fluid pre-loading has been
following spinal anaesthesia. It begins within
excessive, a painful distended bladder may result
12-24 hours and may last a week or more. It is
and the patient may need to be catheterised.
postural, being made worse by raising the head and
relieved by lying down. It is often occipital and Permanent neurological complications are extremely
may be associated with a stiff neck. It is frequently rare. Many of those that have been reported were due
accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness and to the injection of inappropriate drugs or chemicals
photophobia. into the CSF producing meningitis, arachnoiditis,
transverse myelitis or the cauda equina syndrome
It is more common in the young, in females and
with varying patterns of neurological impairment
especially in obstetric patients. It is thought to be
and sphincter disturbances.
caused by the continuing loss of CSF through the
hole made in the dura by the spinal needle. This If inadequate sterile precautions are taken, bacterial
results in descent of the brain and traction on its meningitis or an epidural abscess may result
supporting structures. although it is thought that most such abscesses are
caused by the spread of infection in the blood.
The incidence of headache is related directly to
the size of the needle used. A 16 gauge needle Finally, permanent paralysis can occur due to the
will cause headache in about 75% of patients, a "anterior spinal artery syndrome". This is most
20 gauge needle in about 15% and a 25 gauge likely to affect elderly patients who are subjected
needle about 3%. It is, therefore, sensible to use to prolonged periods of hypotension and may result
the smallest needle available especially in high risk in permanent paralysis of the lower limbs.
obstetric patients. It used to be thought that bedrest for 24 hours
As the fibres of the dura run parallel to the long following a spinal anaesthetic would help reduce
axis of the spine, if the bevel of the needle is the incidence of headache, but this is now no
parallel to them, it will part rather than cut them longer believed to be the case. Patients may get
and therefore, leave a smaller hole. Make a mental up once normal sensation has returned, if surgical
note of which way the bevel lies in relation to the considerations so allow.
notch on the hub and then align it appropriately. Treatment of spinal headache : Pateints with spinal
It is widely considered that pencil-point needles headaches prefer to remain lying flat in bed as this
(Whiteacre or Sprotte) make a smaller hole in the relieves the pain. They should be encouraged to drink
dura and are associated with a lower incidence of freely or, if necessary, be given intravenous fluids
headache than conventional cutting-edged needles to maintain adequate hydration. Simple analgesics
(Quincke). such as paracetamol, aspirin or codeine may be
helpful as may measures to increase intra-abdominal
and hence epidural pressure such as lying prone.
Quincke Caffeine containing drinks such as tea, coffee or
Coca-Cola are often helpful. Prolonged or severe
headaches may be treated with epidural blood patch
performed by aseptically injecting 15-20ml of the
pateint's own blood into the epidural space. This
then clots and seals the hole and prevents further
leakage of CSF.

Pencil

Figure 7. Patterns of spinal needle tips.

14 Update in Anaesthesia

Other Complications In the absence of hypovolaemia due to bleeding,

spinal anaesthesia is a simple and safe alternative to
As the sacral autonomic fibres are among the last
general anaesthesia for manual removal of a retained
to recover foloowing a spinal anaesthetic, urinary
placenta. It does not produce uterine relaxation
retention may occur. If fluid pre-loading has been
and if this is required, a general anaesthetic with
excessive, a painful distended bladder may result
a volatile agent may be preferred.
and the patient may need to be catherised.
Technique
Permanent neurological complications are extremely
rare. Many of those that have been reported were due Spinal anaesthesia is performed and managed
to the injection of inappropriate drugs or chemicals in pregnant patients in the same way as in non-
into the CSF producing meningitis, arachnoiditis, pregnant patients but with a number of special
transverse myelitis or the cauda equina sundrome considerations.
with varying patterns of neurological impairment It is generally recommended that obstetric patients
and sphincter disturbances. should be pre-loaded with not less than 1500 mls
If inadequate sterile precautions are taken bacterial of a crystalloid solution before the dural puncture
meningitis or an epidural abscess may result is performed.
although it is thought that most such abscesses are Although spinal anaesthesia is not contra-indicated
caused by the spread of infection in the blood. in the presence of mild pre-eclampsia, remember
Finally, permanent paralysis can occur due to that such patients may have altered clotting function
'anterior spinal artery syndrome'. This is most and are relatively hypovolaemic. There is always a
likely to affect elderly patients who are subjected chance that a pre-eclamptic patient may suddenly fit
to prolonged periods of hypotension and may result and anticonvulsant drugs (diazepam or thiopentone)
in permanent paralysis of the lower limbs. must be immediately available. The advantages and
disadvantages of spinal versus general anaesthesia
Spinal Anaesthesia in Obstetrics will have to be carefully considered for each
There are several reasons for preferring spinal patient.
anaesthesia to general anaesthesia for caesarean Pregnant women need smaller volumes of spinal
sections. Babies born to mothers having spinal anaesthetic solution than non-pregnant women
(or epidural) anaesthesia may be more alert and in order to obtain a given height of block. For a
less sedated as they have not received any general caesarean section, anaesthesia should extend to T6
anaesthestic agents through the placental circulation. (about the bottom of the sternum) to be completely
As the mother's airway is not compromised, there is a success­ful. This can usually be achieved with the
reduced risk of aspiration of gastric contents causing following regimes, although the hyperbaric agents
chemical pneumonitis (Mendelson's syndrome). are more predictable:
Many mothers also welcome the opportunity of 2.0-2.5 ml of a hyperbaric solution of 0.5%
being awake during the delivery and being able bupivacaine or
to feed their child as soon as the operation is
complete. 2.0-2.5 ml of an isobaric solution of 0.5%
bupivacaine or
There are, however, also disadvantages. It may be
difficult to perform the spinal injection as lumbar 1.4-1.6 ml of a hyperbaric solution of 5%
flexion may be impeded by the pregnant uterus and, lignocaine or
if labour has started, the mother may be unable to 2.0-2.5 ml of an isobaric solution of 2% lignocaine
remain still when having contractions. Unless small with added adrenaline (0.2 ml of 1:1000)
gauge needles (25 gauge) are used, the incidence
If anaesthesia is required for a forceps delivery,
of post-spinal headache may be unacceptably high.
1.0ml of a hyperbaric solution injected with the
Spinal anaesthetics for caesarean section should not
mother in the sitting position is usually adequate.
be performed until the anaesthetist has accumulated
sufficient experience in their performance with
non-pregnant patients.
Update in Anaesthesia

Anaesthesia to T10 is needed for removal of a As with all patients undergoing surgery under spinal
retained placenta. This can be obtained by injecting anaesthesia, oxygen should be given during the
1.5mls of a hyperbaric solution with the patient operation. As hypoten­sion commonly occurs despite
sitting and then lying her down. fluid preloading, many anaesthe­tists routinely give
a dose of vasoconstrictor intravenously. Ephedrine
Positioning of the Pregnant Patient
is the favoured vasoconstrictor as it does not cause
Pregnant patients should never lie supine as the constriction of the uterine blood vessels. If it is not
gravid uterus will compress the vena cava and, to available, one of the other vasocon­strictors discussed
a lesser extent the aorta (aorto-caval compression) previously should be used as untreated hypo­tension
resulting in hypotension. They should, instead, can seriously damage the unborn infant.
always lie with a lateral tilt. This can be achieved
After delivery of the baby, syntocinon is the oxytocic
either by tilting the whole table or by inserting a
of choice as it is less likely to produce maternal
wedge under the patients right hip. The uterus is
nausea and vomiting than ergometrine.
displaced slightly to the left and the vena cava is
not compressed (see Update No. 2).