J Korean Pain Soc.  1997 May;10(1):73-76.

A Study on the Depth of the Lumbar Epidural Space from the Skin in Parturients

• Park CH
• Song PO
• Shin MK
• Kim IK
• Lee SH

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Epidural anesthesia is now accepted as a popular technique for pain relief and anesthesia. However, accidental dural puncture may occur during placement of the epidural needle. This study was undertaken to evaluate difference of the epidural depth between parturients and non-parturients. METHOD: Eighty non-parturients receiving epidural anesthesia were assigned to group I, and eighty parturients whose body weight had not yet increased over 15 kg from pregnancy were assigned to group II. With patients in lateral decubitus position, 18 guage Tuohy needle was punctured by approaching at L interspace. Epidural space was identified using loss-of-resistance to air technique. RESULT: Epidural depth was 4.18 cm and 4.25 cm in group I and group II respectively. There was no significant statistical difference in body mass index (BMI) and ponderal index (PI) (p < 0.05), nor in epidural depth between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
Epidural. needle need not be placed deeper in parturients than in nonparturients

Keyword

Anesthetic technique, epidural depth, lumbar

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia
Anesthesia, Epidural
Body Mass Index
Body Weight
Epidural Space*
Humans
Needles
Pregnancy
Punctures
Skin*