Strategies to overcome a stuck epidural catheter: A case report

Removal of epidural catheter is generally straightforward, however on rare occasions, difficulties may be encountered. This case report details a particularly challenging instance we encountered during the removal of an epidural catheter. Furthermore, it provides an overview of various methods that can be employed to manage such trapped epidural catheters. Difficulty in the removal of an epidural catheter was faced in a 60-year-old patient who underwent upper abdominal surgery. Various techniques were attempted, including slow and gentle traction in the lateral position, changing the patient's position, saline flushing, allowing time delay for potential loosening, and radiological evaluation. Ultimately, the successful removal of the catheter was achieved by inserting Prolene suture material into the epidural catheter to reinforce it, followed by gentle traction. A trapped epidural catheter is a rare but recognized complication, and various methods are reported to retrieve it. To prevent entrapment and breakage, it is prudent to avoid deep insertion of the epidural catheter and to exercise meticulous care during both the insertion and removal processes.