Can an intrathecal catheter be implanted immediately after a successful screening test of epidural/intrathecal narcotics or should you wait days to weeks to watch for possible infection?
Implantation of a permanent intrathecal catheter can be performed with relatively little risk of infection immediately after a single bolus screening test. Implantation of a permanent catheter immediately after a screening test with a percutaneous catheter may be performed safely in most instances, especially if the screening test is relatively short (less than 3-5 days duration) and if contamination of the catheter site is believed to be unlikely. A permanent catheter should not be implanted until the intended implant site is completely free of evidence of infection (which may require days to several weeks, depending upon the degree of inflammation at the implant site). This is of particular concern if: The screening test is greater than 5-7 days duration. The possibility exists that the percutaneous catheter was contaminated. Evidence of inflammation or infection is present at the temporary catheter site. Ideally, the percutaneous screening catheter should be placed at a spinal level
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