INTRAOPERATIVE EPIDURAL CATHETER MALFUNCTION IN 2 OBESE PATIENTS

Using a combined general anesthesia/epidural technique, two cases of i ntraoperative malfunctioning epidural catheters in obese patients are presented. After the epidural was found to be malfunctioning, the anes thesiologist placed the palm of both hands underneath the patients' lu mbar and thoracic area. The epidural catheter with tape and subcutaneo us tissue was pulled in both cases towards the head. In each case, thi s simple maneuver made the catheter function again. In conclusion, thi s simple corrective maneuver should be attempted prior to discarding t he epidural anesthetic technique.