| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2007 | Volume
: 10
| Issue : 2 | Page : 48-52 |
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Peri-Operative complications of spinal anaesthesia: A report of 98 cases in one nigerian hospital
N Jebbin1, S Fyneface-Ogan2, UU Johnson1
1 Department of Surgery, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
2 Department of Anaesthesia, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Correspondence Address:
S Fyneface-Ogan
Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, CHOBA-Port Harcourt
Nigeria
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
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Background: Although spinal anaesthesia is easy and safe, it is not without life-threatening complications.
Aim: The study sought to highlight the common perioperative complications of spinal anaesthesia as seen in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, and their management.
Method: Consecutive elective surgical and gynaecological patients were recruited to study the pattern of complications following spinal anaesthesia. An anaesthetist other than the one administering the anaesthetic answered questions relating to the potential risks of the anaesthetic technique. There were no restrictions on the staff anaesthetists in performing anaesthesia in these patients. A proforma containing the patient's demographic data, American Society of Anaesthesiologists score and secondary outcome data including, total dose of ephedrine used, surgeon's satisfaction, level of block attained, types of complications observed and treatment given, indication for surgery, were kept for each patient recruited for this study. The ranks of the attending anaesthetist were also recorded.
Results: One hundred and fifteen elective surgical and gynaecological patients were recruited into this study. Fifty-six patients (57.14%) were females while 42 (42.86%) were males years with a mean age of 33.3 ±4.7 years. There were twelve different complications following the procedure in 40 patients (40.82%). Out of the number, shivering (19 patients) appeared to be the commonest constituting 47.5%. Five patients (12.5%) developed hypotension that was promptly treated while bradycardia occurred in 3 (7.5%) patients. Most of the complications were promptly treated. There was no mortality.
Conclusion: Perioperative complications due to spinal anaesthesia were common. Shivering appeared to be the commonest form of morbidity. Good conduct of subarachnoid block and meticulous monitoring are critical to a good outcome. |
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