Continuous spinal anesthesia with epidural catheters: An experience in the periphery

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• Continuous spinal anesthesia (CSA) offers advantages over single-shot techniques, including controlled anesthesia and reduced failure rates.
• Technical challenges with spinal microcatheters necessitate alternative approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of using epidural catheters for continuous spinal anesthesia.
• To assess the feasibility of this technique in ASA grade II to III patients.

Main Methods:

• Sixty patients (ASA grade II-III) received continuous spinal anesthesia via Portex 18-G epidural catheters.
• Catheter introduction was performed in a single attempt.

Main Results:

• Catheter insertion was successful and easy in all patients.
• The intraoperative period was uneventful, with effective early postoperative analgesia.
• A low incidence of postdural puncture headache (3%) was observed, managed conservatively. No neurological complications occurred during 3-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Continuous spinal anesthesia with epidural catheters is a simple, safe, and effective alternative for prolonged procedures.
• This method demonstrates a negligible failure rate, particularly beneficial for high-risk patients or those with anticipated difficulties in general anesthesia administration.