[Confirmation of the position of the epidural catheter regarding its intended direction and location for lumbar epidural block].
BACKGROUND
Epidural catheter insertion is a common procedure for gynecological surgeries. Epidural puncture is usually performed according to the anatomical landmarks without radiographic means. The aim of his study was to confirm the actual level of puncture, and the distance as well as the direction of epidural catheters threaded.


METHODS
Seventy-seven female patients receiving epidural anesthesia were enrolled. Epidural catheter was inserted from T12-L1 intervertebral space in cephalad direction for the length of 7 cm. The catheter was confirmed with postoperative plain X-P using picture archiving communication system. The intended direction and length were compared with the actual data. In addition, we retrospectively analyzed the factors including the performers (resident vs. specialist), the approaches of puncture (median vs. paramedian), and patient physical factors (age, height, body weight, and BMI).


RESULTS
Of the catheters 54.6% was inserted from T12-L1, and 74% of them were advanced in cephalad direction. Of the tip of the catheter 71.4% stayed within one vertebra from the puncture level. The puncture accuracy, the frequency of catheter threaded over one vertebra, and the frequency of catheters threaded in cephalad direction did not differ significantly among performers, approaches and patients physical factors.


CONCLUSIONS
Only 11.7% of the catheters were actually inserted from T12-L1 and advanced in cephalad direction over one vertebra as we had intended.
Kawagoe
Izumi
I
Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Juntendo Tokyo Koto Geriatric Medical Center, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo.
Tajima
Keiko
K
Kanai
Masanori
M
Mitsuhata
Hiromasa
H
D015360:Analgesia, Epidural; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013129:Spinal Puncture