Intracranial subdural hematoma following dural puncture in a parturient with HELLP syndrome.

Purpose: To present a case of postpartum bilateral intracranial subdural hematoma after dural puncture during attempted epidural analgesia for labour.

Clinical Features: This complication occurred following accidental dural puncture in a parturient with thrombocytopenia (99,000 x microL-1) who subsequently developed the syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets. On the first postoperative day, postdural puncture headache (PDPH) developed.

Etiology and incidence of endotracheal intubation following spinal anesthesia for cesarean section.

Background: The incidence of spinal failure necessitating general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation following spinal anesthesia for cesarean section is extremely low. Aspiration prophylaxis prior to spinal anesthesia is often recommended in case of spinal failure or excessive spinal block requiring the emergency administration of general anesthesia.

Objectives: To determine the incidence of endotracheal intubation following spinal anesthesia for cesarean section.