J Korean Pain Soc.
1998 May;11(1):165-168.
Epidural Abscess Following Continuous Epidural Analgesia in Patient with Ratient with Rectal Cancer
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract
-
Although the incidence of epidural abscess is low, patient requiring continuous epidural analgesia
for control of acute and chronic pain is increasing rapidly. Therefore we anticipate more frequent
encounters with epidural abscess patients in future. Once epidural abscess formation begins,
early diagnosis and treatment is very important to prevent permanent neurologic damage.
The authors encountered a case of epidural abscess after continuous epidural analgesia
for control of perineal pain due to rectal cancer. Forty-eight hours after the block,
patient began to suffer severe low back pain, local tenderness, and fever. So the catheter
was removed and culture sensitivity test was done with blood and local drainage.
The test results identified methicillin susceptible staphylococcus aureus. Antibiotics were
administered. Ten days after the block, left ankle jerk disappeared, and force of dorsiflexion
of great toe decreased, but numbness or anesthesia appeared at L5 dermatome.
aminectomy was performed, and abscess and necrotic fat material was removed from left L nerve
root. The patient was discharged 12 days after operation without any neurologic sequalae.