Cerebrospinal Fluid-Cutaneous Fistula After Continuous Spinal Catheter in an Obstetric Patient

Abstract

A 23-year-old woman at 41 weeks and 6 days estimated gestational age underwent continuous spinal analgesia for labor after a recognized, unintended dural puncture. Excellent analgesia was maintained throughout labor and vaginal delivery, the intrathecal catheter was left in situ for 24 hours postpartum, and the catheter was subsequently removed without apparent complication. On physical examination during her anesthesia postoperative visit, clear fluid was noted to be slowly draining from the catheter insertion site. Although she denied all symptoms associated with a dural puncture, including headache, a cerebrospinal fluid-cutaneous fistula was diagnosed. An epidural blood patch was placed, which terminated the cerebrospinal fluid leak. No long-term complications were evident. Subsequent literature review revealed a rare incidence of this type of complication and varied recommendations for intervention and optimal management. We review the literature with regard to this complication and offer discussion regarding the various suggested means of diagnosis and therapy.