[Knotting of a peridural catheter].

Abstract

We report a patient who was given continuous epidural anesthesia due to painful contractions during delivery of a child after intrauterine fetal death. Placement of the catheter and repeated reinjections were carried out without problems, however, during withdrawal of the catheter it could only be pulled 1-2 cm until there was enormous resistance. An X-ray film showed knotting of the catheter in the epidural space. Firm pulling finally allowed complete withdrawal of the catheter. Insertion of the catheter too far into the epidural space initially must be considered as a possible cause. As this complication rarely occurs, we consider this case worth reporting.