Korean J Anesthesiol.  2007 Oct;53(4):513-515. 10.4097/kjae.2007.53.4.513.

The Breakage of Epidural Catheter during Continuous Epidural Analgesia for Cancer Pain: A case report

• Kim JI
• Kim DK
• Lee JW
• Son JS

• KMID: 2236602
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2007.53.4.513

Abstract

During pain control by continuous epidural analgesia, the breakage of epidural catheter is a very rare complication. We experienced breakage of epidural catheter in patient of cancer pain during continuous epidural analgesia. We performed epidural catheterization between T12 and L1 level for pain control. After 6 weeks of epidural catheterization, abruptly patient complained severe pain. When we applied negative pressure to catheter by syringe before epidural injection of bolus dose, a few airs were aspirated. We strongly suspected breakage of catheter, and the breakage in 1617 cm from epidural catheter tip was confirmed by normal saline administration via epidural catheter. After new epidural catheter inserted again, patient's pain was controlled by VAS 24 and another complications were not appeared. We must carefully manage the catheter because of complications of epidural catheter.

Keyword

breakage; continuous epidural analgesia; epidural catheter

MeSH Terms

Analgesia, Epidural*
Catheterization
Catheters*
Humans
Injections, Epidural
Syringes