BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Major complications of central neuraxial block (CNB) are rare and their incidence in India is not known. This information is essential for explaining risk and medico-legal concerns. The present multi-centre study in Maharashtra was conducted to provide insight into the characteristics of rare complications following this popular anaesthetic technique.

METHODS

Data were collected from 141 institutes to study the clinical profile of CNB. Incidence of complications like vertebral canal haematoma, abscess, meningitis, nerve injury, spinal cord ischaemia, fatal cardiovascular collapse, and drug errors was collected over one year. Complications were reviewed by audit committee to assess causation, severity, and outcome. 'Permanent' injury was defined as death or neurological symptoms persisting for more than six months.

RESULTS

Spinal anaesthesia (SA) was the most frequently used CNB in 88.76% patients. Bupivacaine and an adjuvant were used in 92.90% and 26.06% patients, respectively. Eight major complications (four neurological and four cardiac arrests) were reported in patients receiving SA. In seven of eight instances, SA was responsible or contributory for complication. The pessimistic incidence of complications (included cases where CNB was responsible; contribution was likely, unlikely and could not be commented) was 8.69/lakh and optimistic incidence (included cases where CNB was responsible or contribution was likely) was 7.61/lakh. 'Pessimistically' and 'optimistically' there were three deaths including one death due to quadriplegia following epidural haematoma after SA. Five out of eight patients recovered completely (62.5%). As only eight patients had complications of different types, it was difficult to establish statistical correlation of major complications with demographic or clinical parameters.

CONCLUSION

This study was reassuring and suggested that the incidence of major complications following CNB was low in Maharashtra.