Epidural anesthesia was given to a 72-year-old female patient suffering from cholecystitis due to multiple gallstones, and chronic bronchial asthma. In the course of the procedure we inserted an epidural catheter (Deseret catheter with a plastic stylet) via a 17G Tuohy needle at the L1-2 intervertebral space. Since it was very difficult to insert the catheter through the Tuohy needle, we pushed it forward applying a considerable amount of force. Following the insertion of the catheter and prior to injection of a test dose of local anesthetic, it was found-that cerebrospinal fluid was flowing out through the catheter from a puncture of the dura. In a second attempt, we approached another intervertebral space, this time with a Portex catheter without a stylet, and succeeded in administering the anesthetic by means of a continuous epidural procedure.
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