Retained epidural catheter: A rare complication. Report of two cases

  • Rodrigo A. Molina-García Campeche General Specialties Hospital, Campeche, Mexico
  • Ana Catalina Muñoz Martínez Christus Muguerza Hospital, Monterrey, Mexico
  • Roxanna Hoyos-Pescador Christus Muguerza Hospital, Monterrey, Mexico
  • Ramón De la Torre-Espinosa Campeche General Specialties Hospital, Campeche, Mexico
Keywords: Anesthesia epidural, Catheters, Epidural space, Postoperative complications, Rupture

Abstract

Introduction: Inserting a catheter into the epidural space is an anesthetic technique, not exempt from complications. Catheter knotting and retention are rare complications.

Clinical findings, diagnostic evaluation and interventions: Two cases of epidural catheter-associated complications are discussed. The first was due to the development of a spontaneous knot and the second due to retention and t hen rupture; both cases required surgical removal.

Conclusion. To prevent these potential complications, refrain from passing excessive catheter length and do not leave more than 5 cm of catheter into the epidural space. If a catheter cannot be easily removed, try using several maneuvers and if these fail or there is any pain or paresthesia, diagnostic imaging is required to locate the catheter and request neurosurgery support.

References

1. Esqueda MA, Martínez GJ. Extracción quirúrgica de catéter peridural retenido. Reporte de un caso. Rev Mex Anestesiol. 2009;32:191-5.

2. Galindo-Gualdrón LA. Dosis de prueba para anestesia regional. Rev Colomb Anestesiol. 2014;42:47-52

3. Tornero JC, Gómez M, Fabregat G, Aliaga F, Roqués F, Escamilla B. Complicaciones tras técnicas de anestesia regional. Rev Esp Anestesiol Reanim. 2008;55:552-62.

4. Chang P,Hu J, Lin YChan K, Tsou M. Butterfly like knotting of a lumbar epidural catheter. Acta Anaesthesiol Taiwan. 2010;48:45-8.

5. Román J, Reina M, López A, De Luis E, Fernández M, Escobar J. Atrapamiento de un catéter epidural. Reconstrucción de imágenes de tomografía computarizada. Rev Esp Anestesiol Reanim. 2008;55:640-3.

6. Lee Y, Hwang H, Sim W Yang M, Lee C. Breakage of a thoracic epidural catheter during its removal. A case report. Korean J Anesthesiol. 2010;58:569-72.

7. Tarukado K, Oda T, Tono O, Suetsugu H, Doi T. A retained epidural catheter fragment treated by surgery. Asian Spine J. 2015;9:461-4.

8. Hermanides J, Hollmann M, Stevens M, Lirk P. Failed epidural: causes and management. Br J Anaesth. 2012;109:144-54.

9. Morris G, Warren B, Hanson E, Mazzeo F, DiBenedetto D. Influence of patient position on withdrawal forces during removal of lumbar extradural catheters. Br J Anaesth. 1996;77:419-20.

10. Pant D, Jain P, Kanthed P, Sood J. Epidural catheter breakage: a dilemma. Indian J Anaesth. 2007;51:434-7.

11. Renehan E, Peterson R, Penning J, Rosaeg O, Chow D. Visualization of a looped and knotted epidural catheter with a guidewire. Can J Anaesth. 2000;47:329-33.

12. Hobaika ABS. Quebra de cateteres peridurais: etiologia, prevencáo e conduta. Rev Bras Anestesiol. 2008;58:227-33.
How to Cite
1.
Molina-García RA, Muñoz Martínez AC, Hoyos-Pescador R, De la Torre-Espinosa R. Retained epidural catheter: A rare complication. Report of two cases. Colomb. J. Anesthesiol. [Internet]. 2017 Apr. 1 [cited 2024 Mar. 28];45(Supplement):4-7. Available from: https://www.revcolanest.com.co/index.php/rca/article/view/427

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.
Published
2017-04-01
How to Cite
1.
Molina-García RA, Muñoz Martínez AC, Hoyos-Pescador R, De la Torre-Espinosa R. Retained epidural catheter: A rare complication. Report of two cases. Colomb. J. Anesthesiol. [Internet]. 2017 Apr. 1 [cited 2024 Mar. 28];45(Supplement):4-7. Available from: https://www.revcolanest.com.co/index.php/rca/article/view/427
Section
Case Report / Case Series

Altmetric

Article metrics
Abstract views
Galley vies
PDF Views
HTML views
Other views
QR Code

Some similar items: