Läkartidningen
-
Knot on the epidural catheter, a rare complication: a case report A 30-year 1-grava woman received an epidural for labor pain. Insertion was uncomplicated and she had an effective analgesia. The epidural was successfully converted to epidural anaesthesia for Caesarean section. ⋯ If the catheter is not easily removed; »gentle and steady traction« is recommended with the patient initially in a position as similar as possible to the one during insertion. If it is still not possible to remove, an X-ray or MRI is suggested to confirm that there isn't any nerve involvement, followed by pulling firmly again until the catheter comes out or breaks. A broken catheter should »in general« be left in place unless symptoms occur.