Abstract
BackgroundProper fixation of an epidural catheter is necessary for desired drug effect and to prevent catheter displacement. Different techniques have been used for epidural catheter fixation. The aim of the study was to compare the relative efficacy of Micropore™ surgical dressing, Tegaderm™, and Lockit plus® in preventing lumbar epidural catheter migration in children. MethodsWe studied 167 patients aged 5-16 years, for up to 48hrs. after the elective abdominal or lower limb surgery. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1) Micropore™ surgical dressing (group M), 2) Tegaderm™ (group T), or 3) Lockit plus® (group L). Incidence and extent of epidural catheter migration in centimetres (cm); was compared at 24 and 48hours post epidural fixation. Correlation between epidural catheter migration and patient characteristics, and relative incidence of complications in three groups was also analysed. ResultsIncidence of catheter migration was 9.6% at 24hours (group M: 7.1%, group T: 21.1% and group L: 0%) and 45.5% at 48hours (group M: 66.1%, group T: 45.6% and group L: 24.1%). After 48hours, absolute migration (mean migration rounded off to the nearest 0.5cm) was least in patients in group L: 0.34cm (1.39) compared to group M 1.22cm (SD: 1.85) group T: 0.94cm (1.94) (p = <0.001). ConclusionUp to 48hours after surgery, the Lockit plus® device demonstrated the less epidural catheter migration when compared to micropore surgical dressing or tegaderm in children undergoing elective abdominal or lower limb surgery.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have