Spinal anaesthesia for outpatient surgery.

In a prospective study of 51 young male outpatients given spinal anaesthesia through a 25-gauge needle, we found a 37.2% incidence of postdural puncture headache. In addition, 54.9% complained of backache after surgery. Occurrence of headache significantly prolonged the sick-leave from work. General anaesthesia would be preferred by 31.4% of patients for a similar procedure in the future. These patients had a higher incidence of postoperative backache and pain during lumbar puncture. It is concluded that spinal anaesthesia is not a satisfactory technique for outpatient procedures in young men.