Epidural washout with high volumes of saline to accelerate recovery from epidural anaesthesia.

Background: Prolonged postoperative blockade can follow neuraxial blocks for short surgical procedures. We investigated whether washout with a high volume of saline through an epidural catheter could provide a faster recovery after epidural anaesthesia. Methods: Thirty patients were randomly assigned to a control group (no washout), to group 2× (epidural washout with twice the volume of 2% mepivacaine) and group 4× (epidural washout with four times that volume). Results: Recovery times from sensory blockade at L2 were 151±24, 122±29 and 116±24 min for control, 2× and 4× groups respectively. Significant differences were found in both saline groups when compared with control group, but not between group 2× and group 4×. No differences were found concerning motor blockade. One patient in group 4× demonstrated signs of intracranial hypertension. Mepivacaine plasma concentrations were increased by saline washout in group 4×. Conclusions: Epidural washout with a high volume of saline can not be recommended since no clinically significant reduction in the recovery time can be achieved without risk.