Epidural Catheter Application:

Epidural catheter application is a method that is placed in the waist area and allows medications to be administered into the epidural space. The epidural space is a space surrounded by the bones of the spine (vertebrae) and contains nerve fibers. Epidural catheter application is used to relieve pain during birth, manage postoperative pain, and treat chronic pain.

Indications for Epidural Catheter Application:

• Relieving pain during birth: Epidural catheter application is one of the most effective pain relief methods during birth.
• Managing postoperative pain: Especially after major surgeries, it is possible to control pain by administering opioids and local anesthetics through the application of an epidural catheter.
• Chronic pain treatment: In chronic pain conditions such as cancer pain, sciatica and disc herniation, drug treatment can be applied through epidural catheter application.

Contraindications of Epidural Catheter Application:

• Infection: Active skin infection or epidural site infection
• Bleeding clotting disorders: Clotting problems such as hemophilia
• Allergic reactions: Allergy to local anesthetic or medications used
• Spinal deformity or instability: Abnormality or instability in the spine

Epidural Catheter Application:

Epidural catheter application is performed under sterile conditions and usually by an anesthesiologist. Local anesthesia is injected into the waist area while the patient is in a supine position. A needle is then inserted into the epidural space, advancing through the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Once the needle is in the correct position, the catheter is inserted through the needle and the needle is removed. The catheter is secured to the skin with a small tape.

Advantages of Epidural Catheter Application:

• Provides effective pain relief during birth and after surgery.
• In the treatment of chronic pain, pain can be controlled by using lower doses of medication than opioids.
• It can help patients recover and mobilize faster.

Complications of Epidural Catheter Application:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• nerve damage
• Epidural hematom
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• blood pressure drop

After Epidural Catheter Application:

After epidural catheter application, patients are kept under observation for a while. Pain and other symptoms are monitored. The catheter is used as long as necessary and is removed after the pain is controlled.

For more information about Epidural Catheter Application:

• Turkish Anesthesiology and Reanimation Association

Note: This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult a doctor for any health problems you have.