Meningitis after Spinal Anesthesia

Abstract

Post-dural puncture meningitis is a serious complication of spinal anesthesia. We describe the case of a forty six years old male who was admitted for surgical intervention of an umbilical hernia, performed under spinal anesthesia. After surgery the patient developed a clinical syndrome compatible with meningitis, the diagnosis was confirmed by examination of the cerebrospinal fluid. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were started although spinal cultures were negatives, and the patient's clinical course was favourable. The meningitis differential diagnosis may be difficult, but we must think about this possibility. In this case report ,we want to check the present situation, specially the prevention and medical treatment.