A new method for epidural catheter fixation.

We investigated the effect of a new fixator made from a medication port of a intravenous fluid container on the migration of epidural catheter. Fifty patients were recruited to receive epidural analgesia and allocated to one of two groups. In the new fixator group (n=25) epidural catheter was advanced through a fixator then fixed with transparent adhesive dressing, in the standard dressing group (n=25), the catheter was fixed only with transparent adhesive dressing. Outward migration of the catheter over 2 cm, and inward migration over 1 cm was described as the failure of the fixation. At the end of the follow up time, outward migration or inward migration distance, and the reason for removing the catheter were recorded. In the standard dressing group, outward migration was detected in 7 patients compared to 2 patients in the new fixator group (p>0.05). Inward migration was determined in only 5 cases in the standard dressing group (p<0.05). There was no movement in 13 cases in the standard dressing group compared with 23 of the new fixator group (p<0.05). The main reason for removal in the standard dressing group was the migration of the catheter whereas the catheter was removed on a regular basis at the end of therapy in the new fixator group. We concluded that the newly described fixation method for epidural catheter is an effective method in reducing catheter migration for short term usage.