Lumbar puncture and spinal anaesthesia

The technique of spinal anaesthesia has been in use for more than a century, enjoying a particular resurgence of interest over the past 20 years. It is simple to perform and, with a clear understanding of the physiology and pharmacology involved, is a very safe means of providing anaesthesia for surgical procedures below the diaphragm. After training and experience, successfully achieving spinal blockade should be possible in all but a few patients.