Korean J Anesthesiol.  2008 Mar;54(3):347-349. 10.4097/kjae.2008.54.3.347.

Sciatic Neuropathy after Caesarean Section under Epidural Anesthesia: A case report

• Hwang SM
• Kim DS
• Lim SY

• KMID: 2239825
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2008.54.3.347

Abstract

We report a rare case in which a 35-year-old multiparous healthy woman developed a right sciatic neuropathy after epidural anesthesia and analgesia for caesarean section.She presented with premature rupture of membrane at 37 weeks and 4 days gestation.Epidural anesthesia was done without any paresthesia or pain and there were no special events during operation. Postoperative pain was controlled by fentanyl, ropivacaine and saline through epidural catheter for 2 days.When the epidural catheter was removed, the patient complained of both legs weakness and hypoesthesia.On the 4th day after surgery, she gained normal sensation and motor function of left leg but was still unable to move and sense her right leg without medial side of femur. She dragged her right feet.MRI of the lumbarsacral spine showed no evidence of a lesion in the spinal cord.Electomyographic study (EMG) performed 25 days after surgery showed incomplete right sciatic nerve lesion.She received persistent physical therapies and put a ankle brace.Four months after surgery she had made a recovery but not full yet.

Keyword

caesarean section; epidural anesthesia; sciatic nerve

MeSH Terms

Adult
Amides
Analgesia
Anesthesia
Anesthesia, Epidural
Animals
Ankle
Anniversaries and Special Events
Catheters
Cesarean Section
Female
Femur
Fentanyl
Humans
Leg
Membranes
Pain, Postoperative
Paresthesia
Pregnancy
Rupture
Sciatic Nerve
Sciatic Neuropathy
Sensation
Spine
Amides
Fentanyl