FLUID DISTRIBUTION AND POSITION OF THE CATHETER IN THE PERIDURAL SPACE IN POSTOPERATIVE AND CARCINOMATOUS PAIN TREATMENT - A RADIOLOGICAL STUDY

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 32  (5) , 229-233
Abstract
A radiological study was made in 33 patients of the position of the epidural catheter and the spread of the contrast medium Metrizamide (Amipaque) 10, 15 and 20 ml. The puncture at the intraspinal space L2/L3 and L3/L4 allows the safe inclusion of 8 peridural segments in all cases, whereas puncture of the upper regions of the spine results in a less predictable effect with spread of the injected fluid to higher spinal segments. A larger volume of contrast medium of 15 ml allows the safe inclusion of a larger number of spinal segments. Abnormal presentation, areas of fluid loss and the distribution of the analgesics or local anesthetics injected may be detected early, which allows correction or adaptation of decisions concerning the fluid volume or the concentration of analgesics such as morphine.

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