What Is Spinal Anaesthesia?

Spinal anaesthesia must be distinguished from epidural anaesthesia. Spinal anaesthesia is a technique by which local anaesthesia is introduced into the subarchnoid space, that is, into the cerebrospinal fluid. It is quick and relatively easy to perform and is almost always completely effective. The onset of anaesthesia is almost immediate. The approach is similar to that for performing lumbar puncture.

A continuous or intermittent technique is not considered practicable by many anaesthetists and its greatest use is for shorter procedure such as manual removal of the placenta, suturing of a third degree perineal tear or forceps delivery.

It is possible to perform caesarean section using spinal anaesthesia, but there is a risk that the anaesthesia will have worn off before the end of the procedure, especially if some unexpected complication occurs. Some anaesthetists have developed a technique a technique where spinal anaesthesia is give for caesarean section and an epidural catheter inserted at the same time in order to maintain the anesthesia.

The needle used for spinal anaesthesia is very fine so that leakage of CSF is minimal. A very small amount of local anaesthetic solution is required. Between 1.5 and 2 ml is usually sufficient to give anaesthesia. The woman will have total motor and sensory block over and below the anaesthesia area. It is difficult to control the level of the block.

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