Breakage of epidural catheter [Epi̇dural kateter kopmasi]

Epidural catheter breakage is one of the uncommon complications. there are many causes of breakage of an epidural catheter,such as the characteristics of the catheter itself,patient factors (anatomy,position during insertion and removal of the catheter),and the difficulty of the procedure. the anesthesiologist should be aware of the complications and proper handling of those catheters. there is a widely held view that,instead of removing the retaining piece,the patient should be followed up strictly and regularly in terms of neurologic complications. surgical removal is considered if there is a possibility that the retained catheter might cause neurological problems. in our case,monthly follow-ups for 12 months were proposed to the patient,while surgery was not recommended. at the end of this period,no sign of infection was observed and there was no worsening in the neurologic and radiologic findings of the patient.