A case of bladder and rectal disorder associated with herpes zoster in the sacral region: the occurrence after the caudal epidural block

Abstract

A 78-year-old man diagnosed as having postherpetic neuralgia in the sacral region complained of urinary retention and defecation disorder 3 days after undergoing the caudal epidural block for the purpose of pain management. We initially assumed that the disorder was associated with the caudal epidural block. However, we concluded that it was associated with herpes zoster in the sacral region because he could urinate soon after caudal epidural block and developed no hematoma in the lumbar epidural space. We should be aware and inform patients that herpes zoster in the sacral region can cause bladder and rectal disorder because it reduces quality of life of patients remarkably.