Complications of Spinal Anaesthesia and Management

This critical topic covers the spectrum of immediate and late complications associated with spinal anaesthesia, along with evidence-based management protocols. For tertiary medical and nursing students in Zambia, you will study complications such as hypotension, total spinal block, post-dural puncture headache (PDPH), broken needle, and infection. A major focus is the systematic management of these events, including fluid resuscitation, use of vasopressors like ephedrine, treatment of PDPH with epidural blood patch, and the emergency management of local anaesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) with lipid emulsion therapy. This knowledge is essential for passing professional examinations and is a non-negotiable aspect of clinical competency for anyone involved in perioperative care in Zambian hospitals. Understanding how to prevent, recognize, and treat these complications ensures patient safety and improves the quality of anaesthetic services nationwide.