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Bacterial contamination of epidural needles after multiple skin passes

C Orlikowski1, P M Majedi, A D Keil

  • 1Department of Anaesthesia, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Bagot Road, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia.

British Journal of Anaesthesia
|November 28, 2002
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Difficult epidural needle insertion does not increase bacterial contamination risk. This study found no bacterial growth on needles after challenging epidural placements, suggesting it

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Infectious Disease Prevention
  • Medical Device Safety

Background:

  • Epidural analgesia can lead to serious complications like infection and epidural abscess.
  • Difficult epidural needle insertion may increase the risk of bacterial contamination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess bacterial contamination of epidural needles and trocars following difficult epidural insertion.
  • To determine if difficult insertion increases infection risk.

Main Methods:

  • Bacterial contamination of epidural needles/trocars was evaluated after difficult insertions (≥2 skin passes).
  • The study included 38 obstetric and 10 gynecological patients.
  • Insertion time and attempt number were recorded.

Main Results:

  • No bacterial growth was detected on any of the 48 epidural needles or trocars.
  • The mean insertion time was 20 minutes (range 10-30 min).
  • The mean number of insertion attempts was 3 (range 2-4).

Conclusions:

  • Difficult epidural insertion is not linked to increased needle contamination.
  • Difficult insertion is unlikely to be a source of epidural infection.

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