Epidural Anaesthetic
This page will give you information about an epidural
anaesthetic. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or
other relevant health professional.
What is an epidural?
An epidural anaesthetic involves injecting drugs into an area
called the epidural space near the spinal cord. The drugs numb your
nerves to give pain relief in certain areas of your body. Epidurals
can be used either on their own while you are awake, or together
with sedation or general anaesthesia. They can also be used after
your operation to give effective pain relief. The epidural can be
maintained by giving extra doses when needed or by giving a
continuous low dose.
What does the procedure involve?
Your anaesthetist will insert an epidural catheter using a
needle (see figure 1). They will then inject a small amount of drug
through the catheter to check the position. Once they have
completed this check, they will give more of the drug until the
epidural is working properly. The effect of the epidural can be
varied by changing the type and amount of drug given.
Figure 1 - An epidural catheter being
inserted
a) A needle is inserted into your back
b) Once the needle reaches the epidural space, a test is carried
out to check the position
c) A catheter is placed in the epidural space and the needle
removed
What complications can happen?
- Failure of the epidural
- Low blood pressure
- Headache
- Respiratory depression
- Itching
- Bladder-emptying problems
- Leg weakness
- Backache
- Infection around the spine
- Seizures, due to the local anaesthetics
- Short-term nerve injury
- Blood clot around the spine
- Damage to nerves
- Paralysis
Summary
An epidural can be used for most people, usually giving a safe
and effective form of pain relief both during and after your
operation.
Acknowledgements
Author: Dr Iain Moppett DM MRCP FRCA
Illustrations: LifeART image copyright 2007 Lippincott Williams
& Wilkins. All rights reserved.
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on this website is
produced by EIDO Healthcare Ltd and is licensed by Ramsay Health
Care UK.
The intellectual property rights to the information belong
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You may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any
of the information other than for your personal, non-commercial
use.
The information should not replace advice that your relevant
health professional would give you.
Hospitals offering this treatment