Korean J Anesthesiol.  1995 Oct;29(4):566-568. 10.4097/kjae.1995.29.4.566.

Epidural Abscess following Longterm Epidural Catheterization

• Han SH
• Oh YS

• KMID: 2145901
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.1995.29.4.566

Abstract

Epidural abscess is a extremely rare but serious complication of longterm epidural catherization. Clinical recognition of an epidural abscess can be very difficult because of underlying painful disorders. Few cases has been reported about epidural abscess associated with placement of epidural catheters. In these reports, the abscess formation generally was acute in onset. We report a case of a cancer patient who developed an epidural abscess after continuous epidural catheterization for management of backpain. In this case, the manifestation of abscess did not occur until 1 month after catheter insertion. And the diagnosis was so delayed that neurologic sequela became a permenant one. We recommand an aseptic and standard technique to prevent this complication. The symptoms and signs must be recognized early so that adequate therapy can be instituted immediately and permenant sequela avoided.

Keyword

Epidural abscess; Epidurl catheterization; Pain management

MeSH Terms

Abscess
Catheterization*
Catheters*
Diagnosis
Epidural Abscess*
Humans
Pain Management