Lumbar Epidural Blood Patch via a Caudal Catheter After Surgical Dural Tear and Failed Repair: A Case Report

A A Case Rep. 2017 May 1;8(9):229-231. doi: 10.1213/XAA.0000000000000473.

Abstract

We report a patient who developed a positional headache and pseudomeningocele after multiple lumbar surgeries for low back and radicular pain. An epidural blood patch via a lumbar approach was not feasible as a result of distorted lumbar anatomy after multiple back surgeries. An epidural blood patch was performed via catheter-threaded cephalad from a caudal approach. The patient had immediate relief after the procedure and at 1 year was still symptom-free. This combination technique may be considered as an alternative approach when a percutaneous lumbar epidural blood patch is disadvantageous.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Blood Patch, Epidural / methods*
  • Dura Mater / injuries*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Low Back Pain / diagnosis
  • Low Back Pain / surgery*
  • Lumbar Vertebrae
  • Orthopedic Procedures*
  • Post-Dural Puncture Headache / diagnosis
  • Post-Dural Puncture Headache / etiology
  • Post-Dural Puncture Headache / therapy*
  • Recurrence
  • Spinal Puncture / adverse effects*
  • Treatment Outcome