[Usefulness of Epidrum for teaching identification of the epidural space].

BACKGROUND

Epidrum (ED) is a device to facilitate the epidural anesthesia procedure. Using ED, we can visually confirm the needle's penetration into the epidural space by collapse of the diaphragm. We investigated the usefulness of ED for teaching identification of the epidural space.

METHODS

Forty parturients scheduled for cesarean section were randomly allocated to an ED group or loss of resistance (LOR) group. Epidural anesthesia was performed by residents (operators) under the instruction of advising doctors (observers). In the LOR group, the epidural space was identified by the conventional LOR technique using a glass syringe filled with normal saline. In the ED group, ED was attached to a Tuohy needle and was charged with 1.5 ml of air to expand its diaphragm. Ease of identification of the epidural space was scored by the operator and the observer. The time to identify the epidural space (TI) was recorded.

RESULTS

TI in the ED group was significantly shorter than that in the LOR group. ED was superior to LOR for identification of the epidural space not only by operators but also by observers.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that ED is a useful device for teaching identification of the epidural space.