Postblock epidural hematoma causing paraplegia. Case report

Abstract

Background and objectives: An elderly man with no obvious preexisting coagulation disorder had paraplegia following epidural block for transurethral prostatectomy that was later found to be due to a large epidural hematoma requiring surgical decompression of the spinal cord.

Methods: There was a delay in starting treatment since the cause was not initially suspected.

Results: The patient did not improve much after the operation.

Conclusions: The anesthesiologist should be alert to the possibility of epidural hematoma forming in otherwise normal patients to avoid such unfavorable outcomes.