Fixation of extradural catheters by means of subcutaneous tissue tunnelling

In 100 patients treated for chronic pain, extradural opioids were administered by means of catheters which were tunnelled subcutaneously. Seventy-three per cent of patients needed only one catheter and 15% had a catheter in place for more than 100 days, the longest being for 434 days. In only 18 patients was the catheter displaced accidentally from the extradural space. There were no instances of extradural infection, although in three patients the tunnel became infected. We conclude that fixation of extradural catheters by subcutaneous tunnelling is a simple method which provides adequate security in clinical practice.