Severe and long-lasting complications of the nerve root and spinal cord after central neuraxial blockade.
BACKGROUND
Although rare, major complications after spinal and epidural anesthesia do occur. We report the complications after central neuraxial blockade occurring in 2000 in France.


METHODS
A retrospective questionnaire study was sent to all French rehabilitation centers to detail severe and long-lasting neurologic complications after central neuraxial blockade.


RESULTS
All specialized and 44% of the nonspecialized centers answered. Twelve cases, nine women and three men, were noted, 60% of which involved patients over 50 yr of age. All patients still had neurological deficits after 3 mo. Seven received spinal anesthesia, four had epidural anesthesia, and one had both procedures. Hemorrhagic lesions were found in only three patients. Among the nine other patients, anatomic abnormalities were common, including five instances of lumbar canal stenosis and two with spinal arachnoid cysts.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest the influence of underlying spinal conditions in these complications.
de Sèze
Mathieu-Panchoa
MP
Neurological Rehabilitation Unit, Pellegrin Hospital, Bordeaux, France. madeseze@club-internet.fr
Sztark
François
F
Janvier
Gérard
G
Joseph
Pierre-Alain
PA
D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000775:Anesthesia, Spinal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011843:Radiculopathy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013118:Spinal Cord Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors