Transient loss of voice during labour analgesia

Central neuraxial blocks: Complacency begets complications

“…However, this safe technique can still become unsafe and result in unanticipated morbidity and at times, mortality. Published in this issue of IJA are reports of complications attributed to CNBs, ranging from post-dural puncture headache (PDPH) to pneumocephalus, arachnoiditis, epidural haematoma, rectal perforation and aphonia[ 2 3 4 5 6 7 ] clearly indicating their occurrence, despite the professed improvements in the field. This reinforces the need for adopting meticulous measures while performing these simple procedures.…”

“…The addition of adjuvants to the local anaesthetic solutions for CNBs has added a new set of issues. Transient loss of voice following labour analgesia under combined spinal epidural technique has been attributed to the addition of fentanyl intrathecally in another report[ 7 ] due to possible cephalad migration of the drug. This article highlights the need to factor various pharmacological agents used either as adjuncts or for conscious sedation while analysing the multitude of after-effects and complications that follow administration of CNBs.…”

“…The six reports[ 2 3 4 5 6 7 ] published in this issue highlight the various possible complications that can follow the ‘simple’ procedure of spinal anaesthesia. Hence, it is prudent that every anaesthesiologist adheres to strict protocols, follows the guidelines, incorporates aseptic principles, follows-up the patients in the post-operative period, detects the complications early and treats them aggressively and appropriately.…”