A Prospective observational study of incidence of catheter colonization in regional Anaesthesia (epidural/peripheral nerve block catheter) in patients undergoing elective surgeries in CMC Vellore.

**1.**An observational cross-sectional study will be conducted during the period of 2023-2024 involving a sample size of 174. consent will be obtained from each patient.   Catheter insertion will be carried out with a standardized aseptic technique (skin will be disinfected with chlorhexidine; bacterial filters will be attached to catheter in sterile manner). Temperature and local signs such as redness, swelling, tenderness will be evaluated as long as   catheter insitu. To prevent bacterial contamination of catheter tips, skin will be disinfected with chlorhexidine and only after skin has  dried catheter will be removed to avoid direct contact of tip with chlorhexidine. The distal catheter tip will be cut with sterile scissors, placed in a sterile transportation tube and transferred immediately to microbiology laboratory.The presence of more than 15 CFC  of single organism/catheter will be considered as colonization . If accompanied by signs of local inflammation (redness/swelling/tenderness) it will be defined as local infection.