International journal of nursing studies
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparison of post-dural puncture headache and low back pain between 23 and 25 gauge Quincke spinal needles in patients over 60 years: randomized, double-blind controlled trial.
Even though the use of a 25 gauge or smaller Quincke needle is recommended for spinal anesthesia to reduce post-dural puncture headache in Korea, lumbar puncture in older patients using a 25 gauge or smaller Quincke needle can be difficult. However, most previous studies concerning post-dural puncture headache have chosen children, parturients, and young adults as study participants. ⋯ The choice of a 23 or 25 gauge Quincke needle for spinal anesthesia has no significant influence on post-dural puncture headache and post-operative back pain for Korean patients greater than 60-years-of-age. The 23 gauge Quincke needle is an option for lumbar punctures in this patient population.