The Current Practice of Spinal Anesthesia in Anesthetists at a Comprehensive Specialized Hospital: A Single Center Observational Study

Introduction

Spinal anesthesia is a type of regional anesthesia in which a local anesthetic is injected directly into the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the spinal cord and nerve roots.^1,2 It blocks pain from an entire region of the body, such as the hips, the belly, the pelvis, and the legs.²

Spinal anesthesia is part of the modern practice of anesthesia because of its proven success, predictability, increased patient satisfaction, low complication rate, better pain control than intravenous narcotics, earlier recovery of bowel function, less need for systemic Opioids, easier breathing resulting from better pain control, Easier participation in physical therapy.^3,4

A spinal anesthetic is used for orthopedic surgery on joints or bones of the leg and is also commonly used for any surgery bellow the umbilicus like groin hernia repair, hemorrhoid surgery, hysterectomy, cesarean section, prostate surgery, genital surgery.^5–9 Spinal anesthesia has indicated for surgery below the umbilicus but it has contraindication which ranges from absolute to relative. Patient refusal, infection at the site of injection, a true allergy to local anesthetic drugs, coagulopathy, and increased intracranial pressure are absolute while neurological disease, fixed cardiac output states, uncooperative, and aortic stenosis are the relative contraindications.^5,10–13

A spinal anesthesia block is an invasive procedure that could be associated with a variety of complications.^7,14–16

These complications could be classified as minor, moderate, and major. A minor complication includes nausea, vomiting, mild hypotension, shivering, and urinary retention. Postdural puncture headache and failed spinal blockade are classified as moderate complications, and vertebral canal hematoma, direct needle trauma, total spinal, cardiovascular collapse, meningitis, paralysis, and even death are the major complications.^15,17–21

To minimize these complications National guidelines have been developed by the Joint Commission of different associations.^22–25

Now a day experts are recommending spinal anesthesia over general anesthesia to have better patient outcome.²⁶ They are recommending regional anesthesia as compared to general anesthesia during pandemic like the current crisis COVID-19.²⁷ But, it is not without complications especially in a resource limited setting, when standards of performing regional anesthesia is not maintained throughout the procedure.²⁸

The aim of this study to assess the current practice of spinal anesthesia at Debre Tabor Comprehensive specialized Hospital.

Methods

Study Design, Setting, and Period

This single center observational study was conducted in Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital which is found in the north-central part of Ethiopia. It is located in the Debub Gondar Zone of the Amhara Region of Ethiopia, about 100 kilometers northeast of Bahir Dar city and 50 kilometers east of Lake Tana, with a latitude and longitude of 11°51′N 38°1′E and an elevation of 2706 meters (8878 ft) above sea level.²⁹ The Hospital has 6 operation tables and 24 anesthetists. It provides more than 2000 surgical cases annually. The study was conducted from November 01 to December 15, 2020. Our study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Sampling Technique

We have employed a survey-based study so that all anesthetists who are available during the study period have been observed.

Study Population

All anesthesia professionals who are working in the operation theatres of Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital were observed.

Data Collection Technique

A standardized structured checklist regarding the current Practice of spinal anesthesia among anesthetists in the operation theater was used to collect the data. A checklist was prepared from recommendations of the New York school of regional anesthesia (NYSORA) guideline.²⁵ After taking written informed consent, study participants were observed based on the checklist about their routine practice of spinal anesthesia.

Data Analysis

Data were checked manually for completeness and then coded by using SPSS version 23 computer program for analysis. Descriptive statistics (counts, and percentages) were employed to summarize the results.

Data Quality Control

The training was given to data collectors (to understand and to clarify ambiguity data collection tool if any); supervision was made throughout the data collection period. Consistency, and completeness of the collected data are also checked.

Results

A total of 24 (19 male and 5 female) anesthetists were observed of their practice before, during, and after administration of spinal anesthesia. From those standards of spinal anesthesia practice, all of the anesthetists did not wash their hands, wore a sterile gown, and draped the back of the patient with fenestrated drapes in a sterile fashion. All of the anesthetists were practicing the preparation and assembling of all necessary anesthesia equipment like Endotracheal tubes, laryngeal mask airways, Laryngoscopes, and monitoring before giving spinal anesthesia and including a wide bore intravenous cannula securing before administration spinal anesthesia achieved (Table 1).

Table 1 The Current Practice of Spinal Anesthesia in Anesthetists at a Comprehensive Specialized Hospital

Discussion

A spinal anesthesia block is a safe and effective form of anesthesia performed by anesthesiology professionals which can be used as an alternative to general anesthesia commonly in surgeries involving the lower extremities and surgeries below the umbilicus.³⁰ If it is appropriately practiced it has associated with better pain relief immediately after surgery, reduced need for strong opioids, less nausea, and vomiting, earlier return to drinking and eating after surgery, less impact on the cardiovascular and respiratory system, less risk of chest infections.^3,31,32

Complete spinal nerve block documentation is vital for the quality of patient care.³³ Ensuring patient safety is a core component of our professional practice. While performing this spinal nerve block, it is vital to observe the practice before, during, and after administer spinal anesthesia to ensure patient safety and enhance a better outcome.³⁴

In the current study a wide bore (16 or 18 G) intravenous cannula, all necessary anesthesia equipment like Endotracheal tubes, laryngeal mask airways, Laryngoscopes, application of basic monitors, resuscitation drugs, personnel protective equipments like wearing a cap, face mask, and surgical gloves, and patient back cleaning with skin solution such as iodine and alcohol to prevent infection was practiced 100%.

On the other hand, the assessment of patient’s emotional reaction and pain during injection, position the patient with a 15degree left lateral tilt and/or head up after complete injection of local anesthesia, skin preparation with solution allowed being dry and used skin infiltration in about 75%, 62% 54%, and 42% respectively.

Similarly, a study done at the University of Gondar by Ferede YA et al, 2020 found the assessment of patient’s emotional reaction and pain during injection, check patient’s pulse rate and blood pressure immediately after spinal anesthesia, and appropriate positioning of the patient was not completely practiced and they recommend for improvements.³⁵

Another study conducted at the University of Gondar by Chekol W et al, 2018 found as all anesthetists did not wash their hands and wear sterile gowns throughout the procedure which is inline with our study.³⁶

In conflicting with our finding’s various literature and clinical practice guidelines reported and recommended that while performing this spinal nerve block, it is vital to completely practice the standards of spinal anesthesia to ensure patient safety and enhance the better outcome.^23,24,37

Conclusion

Most of the anesthesiology professionals in our setting have a good preparation of all necessary anesthesia equipments, and resuscitation drugs, while the assessment of patient’s emotional reaction and pain during injection, the skin preparation allowed to being dry and assessment of the degree of sensory and motor block of the patient were insufficient. The absence of local practice guideline, availability of spinal kits with drapes and anesthetists adherence to internationally available guidelines could be the barriers to perform safe spinal anesthesia for patients requiring it.