Spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section in the Solomon Islands

Results were kept on 43 spinal anaesthetics performed for caesarean section in the Solomon Islands, a developing tropical country in the Pacific Ocean. A 25-gauge Quincke needle was used and either 2.5 ml of heavy bupivacaine 0.5% or 2.0-2.5 ml of plain bupivacaine 0.5% were injected. Hypotension down to 85 mmHg occurred in four patients and there were no spinal headaches. Five patients had to be given a general anaesthetic. We recommend this technique to other doctors working in the Pacific Islands.