Intrathecal catheterisation after observed accidental dural puncture in labouring women: up-date of a meta-analysis and trial-sequential analysis

Labour epidural analgesia can be complicated by accidental dural puncture1 which often leads to post-dural puncture headache (PDPH).2,3 In the case of an observed dural puncture the catheter can be inserted intrathecally,4 an approach that has become increasingly popular over the last two decades and that was favoured by more than two-thirds of lead obstetric anaesthetists in the UK, according to a survey in 2013.5 The catheter can plug the dural hole, thereby limiting the efflux of cerebrospinal fluid6 which otherwise results traction on pain-sensitive structures.
Source: International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: Original Article Source Type: research