Insertion characteristics and complications of a new spinal needle 26-gauge Atraucan

We evaluated the insertion characteristics and complications of a new spinal needle 26-gauge Atraucan (group A) compared with 27-gauge Whitacre (group W) in 100 patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries of the lower extremities. Spinal anesthesia was performed in the lateral decubitus position and 0.40-0.5% tetracaine 1.6-2.5 ml was injected through the L 3/4 or L 4/5 interspace. The tactile appreciation of dural presentation with the needle (dural click) was higher in group W (89.8%) than in group A (42.6%) which the back flow of cerebrospinal fluid was not recognized within three punctures was in 2 cases (4%) in group A and in 1 case (2%) in group W. In these 3 cases, spinal anesthesia was performed easily using 25-gauge Whitacre. In group A, the spinal needle could be inserted without using an introducer in 35 cases (70%). The incidence of the postoperative headache or back pain was low and postdural puncture headache (PDPH) did not occur in both groups. We conclude that 26-gauge Atraucan can be handled easily and useful for preventing PDPH.