[Selective epidural nerve root block using a superfine fiberscope].

A 65 yr-old male with severe scar pain on his right lower abdomen underwent selective nerve block through epidural space using a superfine fiberscope. A12-gauge Tuohy needle (internal diameter 2.2 mm) was inserted at the intervertebral space of Th12-L1. The fiberscope (external diameter 1.1 mm) was introduced through the needle and the epidural space was observed. When the dura mater of Th12 nerve root level was seen, the patient had pain on the scar area. Then 2% lidocaine 1.5 ml and 60% megumine sodium amidotrizoate 1.5 ml were slowly injected. Soon after injection of anesthetic, analgesia area (Th11-L1) was obtained, and Th12 nerve root was identified by X ray. Epidural blockade using a superfine fiberscope seems to be one of the useful and reliable methods for the selective nerve blockade.