Asepsis methods in epidural catheterization and perception of its infectious risk. Results of a survey in Languedoc-Roussillon.

Objective: To assess the level of aseptic practice in epidural catheterization, to determine the perception of its infectious risk and the knowledge of epidural abscess symptoms. Study design: Cross-sectional regionwide retrospective survey, Material: Questionnaire sent after telephone call to 160 anaesthesiologists performing epidural anaesthesia in Languedoc-Roussillon. Results: Replies were obtained from 96 anaesthesiologists working in 26 centres. Handwashing techniques were various: 53% onefolded with an antiseptic preparation, 38% twofolded and 9% used a simple soap; 41% did never wear a long-sleeved sterile surgical gown and only 53% wored simultaneously a cap; a surgical mask and a sterile gown; 4% of the Tuohy needles were reusable; 21% of the dressings permitted continuous inspection of the site of puncture; 12,5% admitted not to know epidural abcess symptoms and 30% ignored the most adapted radiological diagnostic means. Conclusions: Good aseptic practice in epidural catheterization should be clarified by a consensus conference. There is an obvious lack of knowledge concerning features of epidural abscess. (C) 1998 Elsevier, Paris.