Anesthesia & Clinical Research
Open Access

Abstract

Inadvertent Injection of Rocuronium into the Epidural Space in an Awake Patient: A Case Report

Angela Carmezim Mota, Paula Sa Couto, Rosario Fortuna, Simao Esteves and Humberto Machado

Accidental administration of drugs in the epidural space is an adverse event whose frequency is probably underestimated and under reported although it can be the cause of serious morbidity and possibly mortality.

We report a case of an inadvertent injection of rocuronium into the epidural space in an awake patient proposed for a urological procedure. Although no neurological or other complications were observed the patient is still under follow-up and the relation to the anesthetic procedure is still under consideration.

Despite all the precautions that are currently undertaken, accidents will inevitably occur therefore prevention should be our main defence strategy.