Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

Spinal Sonography for Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Neuraxial Anesthesia
Published on: January 31, 2025
Prophylactic epidural blood patch after unintentional dural puncture for the prevention of postdural puncture
Ashley N Agerson1, Barbara M Scavone
1Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave., MC 4028, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. AAgerson@dacc.uchicago.edu
Unintentional dural puncture is a source of significant morbidity in obstetric patients undergoing neuraxial anesthesia. In this focused review, we discuss the use of a prophylactic epidural blood patch to prevent postdural puncture headache, particularly as it relates to the obstetric population. Although epidural blood patch is thought to be an effective treatment for postdural puncture headache, there is insufficient evidence to support its use as a prophylactic procedure.
Unintentional dural puncture is a source of significant morbidity in obstetric patients undergoing neuraxial anesthesia. In this focused review, we discuss the use of a prophylactic epidural blood patch to prevent postdural puncture headache, particularly as it relates to the obstetric population. Although epidural blood patch is thought to be an effective treatment for postdural puncture headache, there is insufficient evidence to support its use as a prophylactic procedure.
Related Concept Videos
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management
Epistaxis
Etiology
Possible causes of this condition include high blood pressure, trauma, low humidity, upper respiratory tract infections, allergies, foreign bodies, nasal inhalation of corticosteroids or illicit drugs, excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays, facial or nasal surgery, anatomic malformation, tumors, or systemic...
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
