Spinal Anaesthetic
This page will give you information about a spinal
anaesthetic. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or
other relevant health professional.
What is a spinal anaesthetic?
A spinal anaesthetic involves injecting drugs into an area
called the subarachnoid space near the spinal cord. The drugs numb
your nerves to give pain relief in certain areas of your body.
Spinals can be used either on their own while you are awake, or in
combination with sedation or general anaesthesia. They can also be
used after your operation to give effective pain relief.
What does the procedure involve?
Your anaesthetist will insert the needle, inject drugs through
it and then remove the needle (see figure 1). It should not be
painful, although it can be uncomfortable. A spinal anaesthetic
usually lasts between one to three hours. The anaesthetist will put
enough drugs through the needle to make sure that it lasts longer
than the expected length of the operation.
Summary
A spinal 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
exclusively to EIDO Healthcare Limited.
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