Broken epidural catheter: What next to do?

Introduction of epidural catheters has increased the benefits of epidural block by several folds, permitting extension of neuraxial blockade for extended period of time. Although, it's insertion is safe, but removal may be associated with breakage of fragment of catheter in the epidural space. This is rare but troublesome both for anaesthesiologists and patients. Many a times the fragment is not visualized with available radiological imaging techniques even after being radioopaque. Usually broken fragment lies in the space as an inert foreign body but it's surgical removal becomes mandatory once neurological symptoms develop.