Korean J Pain.  2006 Dec;19(2):164-167. 10.3344/kjp.2006.19.2.164.

An Analysis of Infection-Related Complications after Epidural Block

• Jo DH
• Hong JH
• Kim MH

• KMID: 2073923
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2006.19.2.164

Abstract

BACKGROUND
There have been an increasing number of reports about infection-related complications after epidural block, and the analysis of these previous reports may offer valuable information for the prevention and treatment of such complications. METHODS: We searched for complications about infection that was related to epidural blockade procedures by using the Medline Search program. We analyzed the types of infection-related complications as well as the potential risk factors, the time course from symptom development to treatment, the causative organisms and the treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Seventeen cases were identified. The types of complications were epidural abscess, subdural abscess, spinal arachnoiditis, bacterial meningitis and aseptic meningitis. Five patients received a single block and twelve patients received a continuous block with catheterization. The most common site of epidural catheterization was the lumbar area and eight patients had indwelling catheters for less than fifteen days. Eight patients had a diabetes mellitus as a risk factor and fourteen patients showed less than seven days from the development of symptoms to treatment. Eleven patients received laminectomy and intravenous antibiotics as a treatment and eight patients had full recovery without neurological deficit. CONCLUSIONS: Early diagnosis and treatment is essential for the favorable outcome of infection-related complication after epidural block. In addition, absolute sterile technique should always be performed and patient education concerning these potential complications must be accompanied.

Keyword

complications; epidural block; infection

MeSH Terms

Abscess
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Arachnoid
Arachnoiditis
Catheterization
Catheters
Catheters, Indwelling
Diabetes Mellitus
Early Diagnosis
Epidural Abscess
Humans
Laminectomy
Meningitis, Aseptic
Meningitis, Bacterial
Patient Education as Topic
Risk Factors
Anti-Bacterial Agents