This retrospective observational study aims to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of infection associated with epidural catheter and port applications performed in the Pain Clinic of Mersin University Faculty of Medicine. Data from patients who underwent epidural catheter or port placement between January 2002 and January 2025 will be analyzed.

Demographic data, catheter duration, insertion level, type of device, clinical indication, and microbiological culture results will be examined to determine factors influencing infection development. The study seeks to identify common pathogens and assess potential relationships between procedural characteristics and infection risk.

The ultimate goal of this research is to contribute to improving infection prevention strategies and ensuring patient safety in interventional pain management practices.

This retrospective cohort study investigates the factors associated with infection development following epidural catheter and port applications performed in the Pain Clinic of Mersin University Faculty of Medicine between January 2002 and January 2022. Data collection has been completed, and the final data analysis is expected to be finalized by November 30, 2025.

Epidural catheterization and port placement are frequently performed interventional pain management procedures used for postoperative and chronic cancer pain treatment. Despite their clinical utility, these procedures carry a risk of infection that can lead to serious complications, including epidural abscess, meningitis, or systemic sepsis.

The study retrospectively reviews 351 cases from institutional archives. Demographic data (age, sex, diagnosis), procedural details (catheter duration, insertion level, anatomical site, indication, brand), and infection outcomes (presence of infection, culture results, and isolated microorganisms) are analyzed.

Primary outcome is the incidence of infection associated with epidural catheter or port use. Secondary outcomes include identifying risk factors such as catheter duration, insertion site, clinical indication, and the distribution of isolated pathogens. Statistical analyses are conducted using appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests, and p < 0.05 is considered significant.

The findings of this study are expected to contribute to improving infection prevention strategies and clinical protocols for safer interventional pain management practices.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients aged 18 years and older.
• Patients who underwent epidural catheter or epidural port application at Mersin University Pain Clinic between January 1, 2002 and January 1, 2025.
• Complete clinical records including demographic data, procedural details, and culture results available for review.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with incomplete or missing procedural or infection data.

Patients whose records do not include culture or infection status documentation.

Patients younger than 18 years old.

Patients treated at the Pain Clinic of Mersin University Faculty of Medicine who received epidural catheter or port applications for pain management between 2002 and 2025.

This is a retrospective study based on de-identified patient records. No individual participant data (IPD) will be shared. Only aggregated results may be published in scientific journals.