Infection rate and bacterial flora of the epidural catheter during prolonged epidural analgesia in patients after oncological surgery

Background. Extended epidural analgesia is widely used for postoperative pain control in oncological surgery. However, prolonged catheterization carries a risk of microbial colonization and infectious complications. In cancer patients, these risks are exacerbated by immunosuppression and impaired skin barrier function, underscoring the need to study the microbial spectrum and clinical implications of catheter colonization. Objective: to determine the frequency of bacterial colonization of epidural catheters, the spectrum of isolated microorganisms, and the clinical significance of these findings in patients undergoing oncological surgery. Materials and methods. A prospective study was conducted involving 51 patients who underwent prolonged epidural analgesia after oncological surgery. Demographic characteristics, somatic status, catheterization duration, incidence of infectious complications, and microbial culture results from catheter tips were analyzed. Statistical methods included descriptive analysis, Pearson’s test, Mann-Whitney U test, logistic regression, and Spearman correlation. Results. Positive cultures were found in 41.18 % of patients, with Staphylococcus epidermidis being the most common isolate. Clinical signs of infection were absent in 98 % of cases. No clinical-demographic variable showed a statistically significant association with colonization (p > 0.05), although body mass index had the strongest (nonsignificant) inverse correlation ( = –0.223). Colonization rates increased after more than 72 hours of catheterization. Conclusions. Epidural catheter colonization is common among cancer patients but rarely leads to clinically significant infections. Adherence to aseptic techniques and regular monitoring allow for the safe use of prolonged analgesia. Further research is needed to determine the optimal duration of catheterization and effective prevention strategies.