Removal of knotted epidural catheters.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

An epidural anesthetic was planned for a 24-year-old woman for analgesia during labor and for a 28-year-old woman for an elective cesarean delivery.

METHODS

Two cases of inability to remove an epidural catheter due to a knot are reported. The epidural catheter was initially inserted 6 and 8 cm, respectively, into the epidural space. Attempts to remove the catheter by gentle traction remained unsuccessful.

RESULTS

In the first case, the catheter was removed successfully by using general anesthesia with succinylcholine, and in the second case the catheter was removed by pulling it out slowly.

CONCLUSIONS

To prevent the knotting of an epidural catheter, it should not be inserted more than 3-4 cm into the epidural space. General anesthesia may be one of the options to remove the catheter.