Breakage of an epidural catheter inserted for labor analgesia

Abstract

The breakage of an epidural catheter, which is usually not noticed, is a rare but important complication encountered while inserting or removing the catheter during epidural blockade. While the epidural catheter was being inserted for labor analgesia, despite no problem being encountered in advancing the catheter, it was drawn back to verify the location; it was observed that 2 cm of the distal end of the catheter was missing. A neurosurgical consultation was requested; it was reported that the broken piece would not create any problems and reintervention could be performed for labor analgesia. An epidural catheter was reinserted and was used for analgesia without any problem until delivery. Although nine months have passed, no problem was defined by the patient. If epidural catheter has to be removed while the Tuohy needle is still in place, we recommend that they should be removed together to minimize the risk of a possible breakage. We think that the decision for surgery and imaging can be performed based on the individual patient’s clinical picture.