The analysis of tissue coring of epithelial cells in spinal block performed with 25-gauge Pencil-point and Ballpen ® spinal needles

AbstractDuring lumbar puncture for spinal anaesthesia, the needle may carry tissue cores into the subarachnoid space, with the potential complication of intraspinal lumbar epidermoid tumour. Coring is believed to occur not only with hollow needles, but even with newer styletted spinal ones. This prospective randomised, blinded study was undertaken to analyse the tissue coring of epithelial cells with the new Ballpen® spinal needles, and the more widely used Pencil-point spinal needles. Forty patients undergoing spinal anaesthesia for transurethral prostate resection were randomized into two groups according to the spinal needle type. Spinal anaesthesia was performed with Pencil-point 25-gauge and Ballpen® 25-gauge spinal needles with the aid of 20-gauge introducer needle. After removal of the stylette, 1 ml of cerebrospinal fluid was collected by free-flow into a sterile test tube, and investigated under the light microscope by a pathologist blinded to the type of needle. Any sample containing at least on...