Effect of Patient Position during Spinal Anesthesia on the Incidence of Post-Dural Puncture Headache after Cesarean Section

Abstract

Objective: To compare the incidence of post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) following spinal anesthesia in parturients undergoing elective cesarean section between the sitting and left lateral decubitus positions.

Methodology: This quasi-experimental study was conducted at Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from May 2022 to October 2022. A total of 120 parturients undergoing elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia were randomly assigned to either the sitting or left lateral decubitus position group. The primary outcome was the occurrence of PDPH within 5 days postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included adverse effects such as hypotension, nausea/vomiting, and bradycardia. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate, with a significance level set at p < 0.05.

Results: The incidence of PDPH post-procedure was significantly higher in the sitting group compared to the left lateral decubitus group (33.3% vs. 6.7%). In the sitting position group, 63.3% of women experienced hypotension, 26.7% had bradycardia, and 30.0% reported nausea/vomiting, whereas in the left lateral decubitus group, these figures were 58.3%, 21.7%, and 23.3%, respectively.

Conclusion: This study concludes that the left lateral decubitus position during spinal anesthesia for cesarean section is associated with a lower incidence of PDPH compared to the sitting position.