Ľubica Procházková
Lumbar puncture is a simple and routine technique for diagnostic and therapeutic purpose and for administration of spinal and epidural anesthetics. Epidural and spinal puncture is routinely used in gynecological and surgical practice. The same technique is used as in diagnostic lumbar puncture with the exception that in epidural anesthesia the end of punctual needle is inserted into the epidural space. Safety and success of lumbar puncture depends on skill and specific knowledge of anatomy. Ignorance of the anatomical conditions can result in severe complications. Despite the lumbar puncture is considered safe method, we come into contact with various severe early complications, post punctual headaches, cranial neuropathy, impairment of neural roots, hemorrhagic complications included, or late complications like inoculated intraspinal tumors.