Total Spinal Anesthesia: A Rare Complication of Intrathoracic Intercostal Nerve Block

Charles W. Otto, Conrad L. Wall

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

Total spinal anesthesia following intrathoracic intercostal nerve blocks with bupivacaine performed for postoperative pain relief during thoracotomy is described. Possible mechanisms for this complication include: (1) inadvertent placement of the needle through an intervertebral foramen, (2) puncture of a long dural cuff, and (3) intraneural injection with central spread. Recognition of this potential complication is important, and facilities for proper support must be available.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)289-292
Number of pages4
JournalAnnals of Thoracic Surgery
Volume22
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1976

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

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