Post-sacral extradural catheter abscess in a child

Abstract

A 4-yr-old child with hypospadias had a 20-gauge sacral extradural catheter inserted for perioperative analgesia. The catheter was removed 29 h after operation. Ten days after operation a skin pustule was noted at the catheter site. The pustule discharged, recurred, discharged and then recurred over the next 36-48 h. The abscess and tract were then explored under general anaesthesia: curettage was performed and some fatty material sent for culture. No growth occurred from the specimen. Antibiotics were given and resolution followed without further problem. © 1994 British Journal of Anaesthesia.