Epidural anaesthesia

Epidural Anaesthesia is a form of anaesthesia that involves the injection of drugs into the epidural space of the spinal cord. This method is commonly used to numb the body below the site of injection, and is often used during childbirth and surgery.

Overview

Epidural anaesthesia is a type of regional anaesthesia that blocks pain in a particular region of the body. The goal of an epidural is to provide analgesia, or pain relief, rather than anesthesia, which leads to total lack of feeling. Epidurals block the nerve impulses from the lower spinal segments, resulting in decreased sensation in the lower half of the body.

Procedure

The procedure involves the insertion of a needle and the subsequent placement of a thin catheter into the epidural space. The catheter is left in place to provide medication either continuously or intermittently during the period of time when pain relief is needed.

Uses

Epidural anaesthesia is commonly used in labour and delivery, and surgery in the pelvis and legs. It is also used for relief of chronic pain and in the management of pain during the terminal stages of cancer.

Risks and Complications

While epidural anaesthesia is generally safe, it does carry some risks. These include low blood pressure, loss of bladder control, headache, and rare but serious complications such as epidural abscess, epidural hematoma, and nerve damage.

See Also

• Spinal anaesthesia
• General anaesthesia
• Local anaesthesia

References

Epidural anaesthesia Resources
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