Thrombolytic Therapy in a Patient with an Epidural Catheter

Abstract

The ability to provide comfort and relieve pain during the postoperative period is a priority in the care of the surgical patient. Epidural anesthesia is widely used to manage postoperative pain. The epidural infusion of local anesthetics combined with opioids provides excellent pain relief. It also reduces intra- and postoperative narcotic requirements, leading to earlier mobilization and faster discharge. However, epidural analgesia carries risks for the patient. This presentation reports on the risk of treating a patient with thrombolytics while receiving epidural analgesia.