Spinal Anaesthesia in Non-instrumented Lumbar Spine Surgery: Does it Work?

INTRODUCTION

Lumbar spine surgery has been traditionally performed under general anaesthesia for a variety of reasons, including less time constraints, a secured airway with the patient in prone position, and preference by anaesthesiologists. However, spinal anaesthesia (SA) has been reported to be a safe alternative and is preferable in high-risk patients with other comorbidities.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of SA in non-instrumented lumbar spine surgeries.

METHODOLOGY: A retrospective study was performed on 32 patients who had underwent lumbar spine surgery under SA between January 2022 and January 2024. Patients who had instrumented spine surgeries were excluded from this study.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant satisfactory outcomes in patients postoperatively, using the Oswestry scoring system. There were few complications recorded, including a dural tear in one patient (3.1%) and post spinal headache in two patients (6.3%). There were no mortalities recorded.

CONCLUSION

The use of SA in lumbar spine surgery offers a safe alternative to general anaesthesia.