Abstract

MELENDEZ-ORDONEZ, Jesús Alberto; HERNANDEZ-ORTIZ, Israel Iván; ROJAS-TERRES, Raymundo  and  VIVEROS-PERALTA, Ismael B. Broken epidural catheter, a rare complication. Rev. mex. anestesiol. [online]. 2023, vol.46, n.2, pp.137-139.  Epub Aug 28, 2023. ISSN 0484-7903.  https://doi.org/10.35366/110201.

Nowadays, neuraxial anesthesia is preferred due to its multiple advantages related to pain management. This procedure involves placing an epidural catheter within the epidural space, with rupture of the catheter being an uncommon complication. Its incidence is around 0.002 to 0.004%. The present work reports the case of a 77-year-old male who underwent a transurethral prostate resection, where the catheter broke while being removed. CT scan reported the presence of the catheter within subarachnoid space, without the patient presenting symptoms. It is important to understand that notifying the patient is a priority in case this complication happens, and then order imaging studies to locate the catheter. Finally, if symptoms are present, a laminectomy should be assessed to remove the remaining piece.

Keywords : epidural catheter; epidural block; complications.

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