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Auditory function following spinal analgesia. Comparison of two spinal needles
S K Malhotra1, M Joshi, S Grover
1Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. drskmalhotra@yahoo.com
European Journal of Anaesthesiology
|March 27, 2002
Summary
Spinal analgesia can affect hearing. Using a cutting-type spinal needle, compared to a non-cutting type, was associated with a greater decrease in mean hearing levels in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Auditory impairment is an underrecognized complication of spinal analgesia.
- Spinal anesthesia is frequently used for lower abdominal surgeries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the incidence and degree of vestibulocochlear dysfunction following spinal analgesia.
- To compare the effects of different spinal needle types on hearing.
Main Methods:
- Eighty patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery (inguinal herniorraphy or tubectomy) under spinal analgesia were studied.
- Audiograms were performed preoperatively and on postoperative days 2 and 7.
- Patients were divided into two groups based on spinal needle type: cutting (Howard Jones) vs. non-cutting (Whitacre).
Main Results:
- Three patients in the cutting-needle group experienced hearing loss >10 dB, while none in the non-cutting group did.
- The mean hearing level reduction was greater in the group that received the cutting-type spinal needle.
Conclusions:
- The use of a cutting-type spinal needle is linked to a more significant decrease in mean hearing levels compared to a non-cutting type.
- Spinal needle selection may influence the risk of postoperative auditory complications.