Retained Epidural Catheter: A Case Report of a Pregnant Woman and a Literature Review of Prevalence, Etiology, and Management

Epidural catheter breakage is a rare complication. There are many potential causes of epidural catheter breakage, including those related to characteristics of the catheter itself, its position during insertion and removal, the patient’s body mass index, and the difficulty of the procedure. Surgical removal is considered if there is a possibility that the retained catheter could cause neurological problems. We experienced the breakage of an epidural catheter during its removal, in a case that did not require surgical intervention. Herein, we discuss the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ruptured epidural catheter.