Epidural anaesthetic

What is an epidural anaesthetic?

An epidural anaesthetic (or epidural) involves injecting local anaesthetics and other painkillers into the epidural space (an area near your spinal cord). This numbs your nerves to give pain relief in certain areas of your body. An epidural can be used either on its own while you are awake, or together with sedation or a general anaesthetic. An epidural can also be used after an operation or procedure to give effective pain relief.

How does an epidural work?

To insert the epidural catheter, your anaesthetist will ask you to either sit up or lie on your side. Your anaesthetist will insert the epidural catheter using a needle. Your anaesthetist will inject a small amount of anaesthetic through the catheter to check the position. Once they have completed this check, they will give more of the anaesthetic until the epidural is working properly. The effect of the epidural can be varied by changing the type and amount of medication given. The more anaesthetic you are given, the more numb you will be.

How is an epidural given?

Most upper wisdom teeth can be removed easily under a local anaesthetic. Lower wisdom teeth can be more difficult to remove.

The procedure usually takes 10 minutes to an hour, depending on how many wisdom teeth need to be removed and how difficult they are to remove.

Removing a wisdom tooth can involve cutting the gum to uncover your tooth, removing bone around your tooth and dividing your tooth with a drill.

What complications can happen?

Bear in mind that there is a risk of significant permanent harm from an epidural. There are few complications that can arise, such as:

• Failure of the epidural
• Low blood pressure
• Headache
• Respiratory depression, where your breathing slows down too much
• Itching
• Difficulty passing urine
• Temporary leg weakness
• Backache
• Seizures
• Unexpected high block, if the local anaesthetic spreads beyond the intended area
• Infection around your spine
• Cardiovascular collapse (where your heart stops)
• Nerve damage
• Blood clot around your spine
• Damage to nerves supplying your bladder and bowel
• Paralysis or death

Late complications

However, a complication may happen after the epidural has been removed.

• Pus, redness, tenderness or pain
• A high temperature
• Feeling unwell
• Discomfort when in a bright room or sunlight
• Neck stiffness
• Difficulty moving or feeling your legs
• Difficulty passing urine
• Bowel incontinence

How soon will I recover?

An epidural can affect your reactions. It is very important that you cannot drive, operate machinery or do any potentially dangerous activities (this includes cooking) until you have fully recovered feeling, movement and co-ordination.

Summary

An epidural anaesthetic can be used for most people, usually giving a safe and effective form of pain relief both during and after an operation or procedure. To find out more, call us on 0808 101 0337 or make an online enquiry

Epidural injection (lumbar/caudal)

Please be aware that the following prices are a guide price. Your final price will be confirmed in writing following your consultation and any necessary diagnostic tests.

Epidural spine injection for pain (local anaesthetic)

Please be aware that the following prices are a guide price. Your final price will be confirmed in writing following your consultation and any necessary diagnostic tests.