This may happen if the spinal or epidural does not provide adequate pain relief, or if other complications arise during surgery. Uncommonly, the anesthetist may need to convert to a general anaesthetic. Epidural anesthesia is regarded as the most effective form of pain relief in childbirth (see ‘’Epidural Anesthesia and Pain Relief during Labour’’, an ASA patient education pamphlet available from your anesthetist). They can also be used in the diagnosis and treatment of some painful conditions such as chronic back pain. Epidurals are often used in major surgery such as chest, bowel, hip or knee surgery. A pump can also be attached to the catheter to deliver small amounts of drugs continuously or in stages. Epidural anesthesia may be used with general anesthesia so that the pain relief can be provided after surgery. Occasionally, the anesthetist may begin with a spinal and then combine it with an epidural for longer-term anesthesia and pain relief after surgery. Prostate removal, bladder operations and vaginal repair.Hip replacement, knee replacement, or other surgery to the leg.Epidural or spinal anesthesia, or combination of both, is commonly used for many procedures including: Both epidural and spinal anesthesia involve injections of local anaesthetic (sometimes mixed with morphine-like ‘’opioid’’ painkiller) near the spinal cord. Combined with sedative medications (given into a vein in the hand or arm) to help the patient relax or sleep lightly during surgeryĮpidural and spinal anesthesia may reduce the stress of surgery and can help with pain relief after surgery.
The techniques are effective, and for some surgical procedures, provide advantage over general anaesthetic. These forms of “regional anesthesia” or “regional nerve block” temporarily numb the nerves to parts of the body without affecting the brain.
Epidural and spinal anesthesia are used during many surgical procedures.