Unique method for removal of knotted lumbar epidural catheter: A case report
Nian-Hua Deng1, Xiao-Cong Chen1, Shou-Bo Quan2
1Anesthesia and Surgery Center, Dongguan Songshan Lake Central Hospital, Dongguan 523326, Guangdong Province, China.
Background:
Combined spinal-epidural (CSE) anesthesia is the preferred anesthesia method for cesarean delivery. The use of an epidural catheter is essential for administering additional drugs intraoperatively and managing postoperative pain. However, the insertion of epidural catheters is associated with various complications, such as total spinal anesthesia, symptoms indicative of spinal nerve root irritation, and challenges in epidural catheter removal.
Case Summary:
We present a case report of a challenging epidural catheter removal due to knotting. The lumbar computed tomography scan results revealed that the catheter formed a tight knot in the epidural space. We used a novel extubation method and successfully removed the catheter.
Conclusion:
The operator can use opposite forces to "spiral" apart the spinal joints by positioning the patient's body in a specific position. The findings indicate that, when combined with imaging examination results, this method is effective for the removal of epidural catheters.
