An evaluation of a 30‐gauge needle for spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean section

Abstract

A 30‐gauge spinal needle was evaluated for Caesarean section, using a combined epidural/spinal technique, in 50 mothers. Spinal anaesthesia failed in six mothers and was inadequate in another six. General anaesthesia was required on one occasion. A 25% overall failure rate suggests that a 30‐gauge needle is not a practical proposition for routine clinical practice.