The incidence of epidural abscess following epidural analgesia in open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.
BACKGROUND
Complications of epidural catheterisation can cause significant morbidity. Epidural abscess following epidural catheterisation is rare and the reported incidence is variable. The purpose of this study was to review the incidence of epidural abscess in patients undergoing open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair.


METHODS
A retrospective case note review of all patients having open AAA repair over a 5-year period.


RESULTS
A total of 415 patients underwent open AAA repair between January 2003 and March 2008. Of these, 290 were elective procedures and 125 were for ruptured aneurysms. Six patients underwent postoperative magnetic resonance imaging of the spine for clinical suspicion of an epidural abscess. Two of these (0.48%) had confirmed epidural abscess and two superficial infection at the epidural site.


CONCLUSIONS
The incidence of epidural abscess following epidural analgesia in patients undergoing open AAA repair within our department was 0.48%. Although a rare complication, epidural abscess can cause significant morbidity. Epidural abscesses rarely develop before the third postoperative day.
Wallace
David
D
Vascular Surgery Group, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK. sms16@le.ac.uk
Bright
Elizabeth
E
London
N J M
NJ
D015360:Analgesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017544:Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal / Q000601:surgery*; D001019:Aortic Rupture; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects; D020802:Epidural Abscess / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D055624:Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000209:etiology*