Epidural analgesia: have we got it right?

Epidural infusions are being employed more frequently for postoperative and posttraumatic pain. This paper looks at the possible complications involved in the use of epidural analgesia. The evidence concerning possible causes of infection and abscess formation is discussed. The small amount of literature available suggests that the potential for infection is increased when ward-based staff are involved with changing epidural infusions. The potential benefits of ready-prepared solutions for epidural analgesia are considered.