Ease of lumbar epidural catheter insertion with prepuncture ultrasound as guidance compared with conventional palpatory technique when performed by anesthesiology residents: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Lumbar epidural catheter insertion is conventionally performed by anesthesia residents by palpation of anatomical landmarks with relatively blind localization of epidural space which may lead to an increase in failure rate. We aim to compare the ease of lumbar epidural catheterization using prepuncture ultrasound as guidance with that of conventional palpatory technique. Comparisons were made with reference to number of insertion attempts, total time taken for the procedure, frequency of dural puncture, and overall satisfaction score as assessed by Likert's scale. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty, ASA 1-3, patients undergoing elective surgeries requiring lumbar epidural catheterization were recruited for the study. Study participants were randomized into two groups. In group P, epidural catheterization was performed using the conventional palpatory method and in group U, it was performed with the help of ultrasound determined parameters. Number of insertion attempts, total time taken for successful insertion of epidural catheter, frequency of dural puncture, and overall satisfaction of ease of insertion as determined by Likert's scale were compared between both the groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 17 and P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The number of insertion attempts was significantly lesser in Group U (P = 0.019). The total procedure time was significantly higher in group U (P < .001). There was no significant difference in ease of insertion score, as measured by Likert's scale between both the groups (P = 0.45). CONCLUSION: Prepuncture ultrasound guidance improves the first attempt success rate of lumbar epidural catheterization with reduced incidence of dural puncture with similar overall satisfaction score but increases the total time taken for the procedure when compared to conventional palpatory technique.