These two types of anesthesia numb your body from the chest down to the legs. The medicine is placed directly into the spine area.
Spinal and epidural anesthesia is frequently given for surgeries involving:
Pelvis, hips, and legsChildbirthAdvantages of these types of anesthesia include:
Ability to be awake during the operation
Avoid complications of
general anesthesiaComplications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have spinal and epidural anesthesia, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Severe headache or back painDrop in blood pressureNerve damageInfectionAllergic reaction to the anesthetic usedLonger labor during childbirth (epidural anesthesia)Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
SmokingBleeding disordersPrior allergic reactions to anestheticsDehydrationImmune system disordersBe sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the surgery.
Make sure that your doctor is aware of:
Your drug allergiesMedicines you are takingAny heart or lung conditions you haveAny previous reactions that you or other family members have had to anesthesiaAny bleeding problems you have had in the pastYou will be connected to various monitors to keep track of your:
Blood pressurePulseOxygen content of your bloodYou may also have:
An IV line to provide you with fluidsA catheter (tube) put into your bladder to keep urine drainedAn area on your back above the spinal cord will be cleaned. A local anesthetic will be injected into the skin to numb the area. This is to decrease pain from the larger needle that will be put in your back. If you are getting spinal anesthesia, the doctor will give you one injection. The medicine will be sent directly into the sac of fluid that surrounds the spinal cord.
If you are getting epidural anesthesia, it may be delivered the same way. But, if you need more than one dose, you will have a tiny, flexible tube in place just outside of the fluid sac. This allows the doctor to give you more medicine if you need it. After the surgery, the doctor will place a bandage over the injection spot.
After spinal anesthesia—You may be told to stay in bed with your head flat for several hours. This is to prevent a headache.After either spinal or epidural anesthesia—You will stay in bed until your legs are no longer numb.Giving spinal or epidural anesthesia usually takes about 15 minutes.
Spinal anesthesia—begins working right after the injection is givenEpidural anesthesia—takes about 10-20 minutes to begin workingYou will feel some pain when the needle is inserted.
This depends on the type of surgery being done.
If you received epidural anesthesia, the tube may be left in place to give you more medicine. When you no longer need pain control, the doctor will remove the tube.
When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
For the first 24 hours:
Do not drive or operate machinery.Do not drink alcohol.
Be sure to follow your doctor's
instructions.
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occur:
Signs of infection, including fever and chillsPersistent or severe headache or back painDizziness, faintingWeakness, numbness, or tingling in your arms or legsLoss of bladder or bowel controlSkin rashDifficulty breathingIn case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.
Last reviewed September 2012 by Marcin Chwistek, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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