title: Post-sacral extradural catheter abscess in a child.
abstract: A 4-yr-old child with hypospadias had a 20-gauge sacral extradural catheter inserted for perioperative analgesia. The catheter was removed 29 h after operation. Ten days after operation a skin pustule was noted at the catheter site. The pustule discharged, recurred, discharged and then recurred over the next 36-48 h. The abscess and tract were then explored under general anaesthesia: curettage was performed and some fatty material sent for culture. No growth occurred from the specimen. Antibiotics were given and resolution followed without further problem.
authors.affiliation: Welsh Burns, Plastic, Reconstructive and Maxillo-Facial Surgery Unit, St Lawrence Hospital, Chepstow, Gwent.
authors.forename: E R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Emmanuel
mesh_terms: D000038:Abscess / Q000209:etiology*; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007021:Hypospadias / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D012447:Sacrum; D013122:Spinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology