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Risks of infection from short-term epidural catheter use.
J H Nickels1, J G Poulos, K Chaouki
1Department of Anesthesiology, Meridia Huron Hospital, Cleveland, OH 44112.
Regional Anesthesia
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Short-term use of epidural catheters showed minimal infection risk in 200 patients. This finding supports the safe, extended use of epidural analgesia for pain management over several days.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Epidural catheters are commonly used for short-term pain management.
- Concerns exist regarding the risk of infection associated with indwelling catheters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence of infection in patients receiving short-term epidural catheter therapy.
- To determine if infection risk impacts the duration of epidural catheter use.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 200 patients undergoing short-term epidural catheterization.
- Infection surveillance protocols were implemented throughout the study period.
Main Results:
- The observed incidence of infection related to epidural catheter use was found to be insignificant.
- No statistically significant increase in infection rates was noted with catheter dwell time.
Conclusions:
- Short-term epidural catheter use is associated with a low risk of infection.
- The findings support the clinical practice of maintaining epidural catheters for several days when indicated for pain relief.