Inadvertent Breakage of the Spinal Needle during the Obturator Nerve Block for the Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumor - A case report -

Abstract

Obturator nerve block is occasionally performed during transurethral resection of lateral bladder wall tumors to prevent the violent contraction of the adductor muscle of the thigh. Rare complications including intravascular injection of the local anesthetics and hematoma formation may occur during the obturator nerve block. We report a case of the unintentional breakage of the spinal needle during the obturator nerve block with successful removal of the broken spinal needle by an orthopedic surgeon. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2007; 53: 250~3)