Paraparesis after Lumbar Drain Placement and Catheter Tear: A Rare Case Report

Abstract

Lumbar spinal drain placement is being done with increasing frequency either to reduce intracranial pressure or facilitate view of surgical field in neurosurgical procedures. Complications due to fracture of catheter and/or retained catheter are rare and underreported but are of concern. The management of such a complication, surgical or conservative, depends on location of retained fragment of catheter, patient condition, or resulting complications due to catheter shearing. In this case, the position of the retained catheter fragment does not explain the subsequent paraparesis, which resolved with conservative management. Since there are no guidelines to handle such cases, it is important to individualize patient management. Proper positioning, technique and expertise, and some changes in Tuohy needle tip are required to reduce complications due to broken spinal drains. This case report emphasizes on the measures that can be taken to prevent shearing of spinal catheter.

Keywords

paraparesis - lumbar drain - retained catheter - conservative management

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