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  • The Internet Journal of Anesthesiology
  • Volume 11
  • Number 1

Original Article

The Storm After The Near-Failed Epidural Anaesthesia

S Mahapatro, C Shastri, D Masalgekar, M Sarkar

Citation

S Mahapatro, C Shastri, D Masalgekar, M Sarkar. The Storm After The Near-Failed Epidural Anaesthesia. The Internet Journal of Anesthesiology. 2005 Volume 11 Number 1.

Abstract
 

To the Editor:

Sub-arachnoid or sub-dural injection or migration of the catheter is a known complication of the epidural block. The test dose helps in ruling out a sub-arachnoid or vascular injection. We report a case of accidental sub-dural injection of drug as a complication of epidural anaesthesia.

A 38 year old woman, with 5'5” height and 55 kg weight was scheduled for vaginal hysterectomy under epidural anaesthesia. Her pre-operative pulse rate was 85 bpm and blood pressure 130/86 mm of Hg. After local anaesthesia infiltrations, a 16 gauge epidural needle was used through para-median approach at L3-L4 level by loss of resistance to air technique. After confirmation of negative aspiration of blood and CSF, an epidural test dose of 3cc of 2% lignocaine with adrenaline was administered. Absence of motor blockade and tachycardia confirmed the epidural placement of needle. 20cc of 0.25% bupivacaine + 1% lignocaine with 25 g fentanyl was injected. Haemodynamics were monitored and sensory level checked. At the end of twenty minutes the blockade was patchy & around T10-T11 segments. Assuming a failed epidural, preparations were made to administer general anaesthesia. However a sudden bradycardia was seen with pulse rate drop to 40 bpm and BP uptown 50 mm of Hg. It was corrected by injection atropine 1.2 mg iv. On checking, the level was T2. Rest of surgery was uneventful. The unexpected, extensive delayed block with high sympathetic blockade made us suspect on sub-dural injection. Hypotension and dense motor block also favored our diagnosis.

Unfortunately sub-dural injection of drug has no preventive measures for a time- tested technique like epidural block.

Correspondence to

Dr. Sumitra Mahapatro C/o Dr. K.D. Bakshi 701, Priti, Gen. Arunkumar Vaidya Nagar, Bandra (W), Mumbai – 50. Email: smahapatro@yahoo.com

References

1. Jones, M.D., and Newton, TH: Inadvertent extra-arachnoid injections in myelography. Radiology, 80:18:1963.
2. DeSaram, M: Accidental total spinal analgesia: a report of three cases. Anaesthesia, 11:77,1956.
3. Collins, Vincent J, 3rd Ed, 1993, Pp. 1595, Lea and Febiger, Pennsylvania.

Author Information

Sumitra Mahapatro, M.D., D.N.B.
Lecturer, Department of Anaesthesiology, G.S. Medical College & King Edward Memorial Hospital

Chandan Shastri, M.B.B.S.
Senior Resident, Department of Anaesthesiology, G.S. Medical College & King Edward Memorial Hospital

Dhananjay Masalgekar, M.B.B.S.
Junior Resident, Department of Anaesthesiology, G.S. Medical College & King Edward Memorial Hospital

Manjula Sarkar, M.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Anaesthesiology, G.S. Medical College & King Edward Memorial Hospital

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