BROKEN HYPODERMIC NEEDLE PRIOR TO SPINAL NEEDLE INSERTION: AN UNUSUAL COMPLICATION

Dr. Anisha Singh*, Dr. Deepak G. P. and Dr. Lalit Gupta

ABSTRACT

Hypodermic needles are routinely used for local instillation prior to spinal anesthesia. However, their breakage is a rare yet a possible event. Such incidence can result in morbidity as well as legal consequences against the operator. We describe a case report of a 24 years old parturient who came for emergency caesarean section, where the needle broke off while injecting local anesthetic before inserting the spinal needle but could be retrieved successfully.

Keywords: Broken, Hypodermic needle, Spinal needle, Local anesthetic.