Successful subdural anesthesia for cesarean section and postoperative pain management

Subdural catheterization is a well described, but uncommon complication of attempted epidural block. Aspiration of blood or cerebrospinal fluid and use of a test dose can help identify venous or subarachnoid catheter placement but do not rule out subdural catheter placement. An unexpected high level of sensory block with relative sparing of lower extremity motor function is a consistent feature of subdural block. This report describes the early identification of subdural placement of a catheter intended for the epidural space. We present radiologic confirmation of the catheter's location, and describe its use to provide successful anesthesia for cesarean section and postoperative analgesia.