Download – Spinal Anaesthesia – a Practical Guide

Spinal anaesthesia is induced by injecting small amounts of local anaesthetic into the cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF). The injection is usually made in the lumbar spine below the level at which the spinal cord ends (L2). Spinal anaesthesia is easy to perform and has the potential to provide excellent operating conditions for surgery below the umbilicus. If the anaesthetist has an adequate knowledge of the relevant anatomy, physiology and pharmacology, safe and satisfactory anaesthesia can easily be obtained to the mutual satisfaction of the patient, surgeon and anaesthetist.

Chris Anckorn and Bill Casey