Unintentional intrapleural insertion of an epidural catheter: should we remove it or leave it in situ to provide perioperative analgesia?
We report three patients who had intrapleural insertion of an intended thoracic epidural catheter. These misplaced catheters were used for local anesthetic administration. Bupivacaine injection via these catheters in two cases was effective for reducing postoperative pain. We conclude that if an intended thoracic epidural catheter is found to be in the intrapleural cavity at the time of surgery and if correct replacement of the catheter into the epidural space is not believed to be feasible after surgery, then the administration of local anesthetic through the intrapleural catheter could be considered as a potential alterative analgesic method.
Inoue
Satoki
S
Department of Anesthesiology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan.
Nishimine
Naoko
N
Furuya
Hitoshi
H
D000368:Aged; D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D019300:Medical Errors; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D010994:Pleura / Q000293:injuries*; D013908:Thoracotomy