What is Epidural Anaesthesia?

How Does Epidural Anaesthesia Work?

The spinal cord connects all your nerves to the brain and is enclosed in a fluid-filled epidural space. During an epidural anaesthesia procedure, the pain relief medication is injected into the epidural space, which is just outside the sac of fluid surrounding your spinal cord.

The medication typically takes 20-30 minutes to fully numb the spinal nerves, temporarily preventing pain signals from traveling from your spine to your brain.

When Is Epidural Anaesthesia Used?

Epidural anaesthesia is commonly used during labour and delivery, including caesarean sections, pelvic and lower extremity surgery, alongside general anaesthesia for thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic surgeries, and as pain relief after these surgical procedures.

Who Administers Epidural Anaesthesia?

How Is An Epidural Anaesthesia Performed?

1. A drip will be inserted into your arm to provide fluids while receiving the epidural.
2. You have the option to either lie on your side with your knees drawn up to your chest or sit down and lean forward.
3. A local anaesthetic will be injected to numb the skin where the epidural will be inserted, reducing pain when the larger epidural needle is inserted.
4. A needle is used to place a thin plastic tube, called an epidural catheter, near the nerves responsible for transmitting pain signals to your brain. 
5. Once the needle is removed, only the catheter remains in your spine. 
6. You may experience slight discomfort during the positioning of the epidural needle and insertion of the catheter.
7. The catheter is then utilised to administer pain relief medication, which typically takes about 20-30 minutes to take full effect.
8. While the epidural drugs are being administered, you may feel numbness in your chest, stomach, and legs.
9. When you no longer require the epidural, your doctor will remove the catheter, cleanse the area with antiseptic, and apply a dressing to cover the wound.

How Long Does An Epidural Last?

It depends on what kind of epidural and medicine that you received. For an epidural with a catheter, your doctor may administer a continuous flow of anaesthetic drugs or multiple separate doses, based on your condition.

After the drug is stopped, you might experience numbness for a few hours before the medication’s impact wears off.

Who Should And Should Not Get An Epidural?

An epidural is used for the majority of caesarean sections because the baby is exposed to the least quantity of medication, and the mother can actively engage in the childbirth process.

Epidural anaesthesia is also commonly used for pain management during normal vaginal delivery.The mother is awake and attentive during labour and delivery.

Epidural anaesthesia is also used for pain relief in patients undergoing thoracic surgery, abdominal surgery, and pelvic surgery.

Individuals who are allergic to anaesthetic medication, have blood clotting issues, having an infection and specific neurological conditions or spinal cord abnormalities may not be able to have an epidural.

What Are The Advantages And Side Effects Of Getting An Epidural?

Make an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

If you have questions about epidural anaesthesia, get in touch with us to book an appointment today for a consultation, or visit our Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at your nearest Gleneagles Hospital