Introduction:

Postdural puncture headache is the most common complication following neuraxial anesthesia, and is especially common in obstetrics, a common finding in the postpartum period. It is usually a benign and self-limited complication, but if not treated, it can lead to further serious complications.

Objective:

To describe the incidence of postdural puncture headache in obstetric patients scheduled for elective cesarean section with spinal anesthesia and its relationship with early ambulation.

Methods:

A descriptive observational study was carried out in a case series (50) of patients proposed for elective cesarean section under the subarachnoid spinal anesthesia method with 25-gauge trocar in the period from May to December 2018.

Results:

Out of a total of 50 patients aged 18-35 years who participated in the study, 96 % underwent single dura mater puncture. In all cases, a 25-gauge trocar was used and none presented postdural puncture headache.

Conclusions:

The incidence of postdural puncture headache may be concluded to decrease when atraumatic spinal needles of small caliber are used, which also facilitates early ambulation of the patient.

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