Epidural Anesthesia: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Epidural anesthesia?
Epidural anesthesia is most commonly placed in the low back (lumbar region). Unlike spinal this technique may also be accomplished in the mid-back (thoracic region) for surgery in the area of the chest. After a sterile prep and draping, local anesthetic is placed in the skin numb the area where the epidural need will be placed. The needle for epidural passes between the vertebrae of the spinal column to the epidural space. Once the position is verified, a very small catheter (tube) is paced via the needle. ...
Source: www.aajsc.com
Epidural anesthesia involves inserting a tiny plastic tube into the epidural space. The spinal nerves (which carry the sensations from your body) pass through the epidural space. Medicine is injected through this tiny plastic tube (or epidural catheter) into the epidural space. This medicine blocks the messages of sensation that tell the brain what your body is feeling. The epidural catheter is usually placed in the lower back for procedures below the umbilicus (belly button). ...
Source: www.regionalanesthesiagroup.com
What are the risks of epidural anesthesia?
Though rare, there is the possibility of complications with epidural anesthesia. Your anesthesia care provider will discuss with you the risks of epidural based on your particular case. The most common complications include: Drop in blood pressure Blood vessel puncture Headache Possible, but much rarer complications are: Nerve damage Paralysis Back to: Top | FAQs | Women's Services
Source: www.sjws.net
Who performs spinal and epidural anesthesia?
Spinal and epidural anesthetics are performed by anesthesiologists (medical doctors with training in anesthesia). Anesthesiologists are present in labor and delivery area of the hospital to provide pain relief, anesthesia for C-sections, and to assist the obstetrician with complex medical problems that may present during labor and delivery.
Source: www.asmgmd.com
Is everyone a candidate for epidural anesthesia?
The majority of women can have an effective epidural for their labor experience. Here are some exceptions: Patients with bleeding or clotting disorders Patients with allergies to any of the drugs or materials used Patients with a skin infection at the insertion site
Source: www.sjws.net
What are the risks of Spinal and Epidural anesthesia?
The risks for Spinal and Epidural anesthesia may include low blood pressure, which is the reason the patient is routinely hydrated prior to the placement of either of these forms of anesthesia. Some of the time it is necessary to treat it with medication this is regularly by the anesthesiologist. Postdural puncture headache occurs infrequently with these techniques. The risks is 1% with Epidurals and 3% with Spinals. This is believed to be due to a leak of cerebrospinal fluid from the needle hole in the dura. ...
Source: www.aajsc.com
What platelet counts are recommended for a C-section, an episiotomy, and epidural anesthesia?
There is no consensus on minimum platelet counts for different medical procedures. While many physicians consider a platelet count above 50,000 ppm to be safe for a C-section, higher counts are usually recommended for episiotomy and epidural anesthesia. A platelet count between 50,000 ppm and 80,000 ppm is recommended by most physicians for episiotomy and 80,000 ppm to 100,000 ppm for epidural anesthesia.
Source: www.itppeople.com
How does your practice feel about the use of medication and/or epidural anesthesia?
Medication or anesthesia are not a problem and are dictated by the mother's progress and desires.
Source: www.obgyninfert.com
Is repetitive intrathecal anesthesia a good alternative to epidural anesthesia in labor?
Continuous epidural anesthesia is often the more satisfactory approach. See details. (WORD 59k)
Source: www.ihs.gov
What are the advantages of epidural and spinal anesthesia?
This form of anesthesia has a number of excellent advantages. Firstly your brain and heart are not affected to any extent so that you remain awake and there is very little danger of the strength of your heartbeat being diminished. When a Caesarean Section is done in this way the mother can hold and appreciate her baby within minutes of delivery, so that a strong bond is formed between the two. ...
Source: www.fgtba.com
Will I be able to urinate if I have an epidural anesthesia?
Epidural anesthesia may decrease the sensation of a full bladder and your obstetrician or nurse may place a temporary catheter to drain your urine.
Source: www.brighamandwomens.org
Epidural anesthesia may decrease the sensation of a full bladder and your obstetrician or nurse may place a temporary catheter to drain your urine. Click below for the next item
Source: www.painfreebirthing.com
Q: Is the option of spinal or epidural anesthesia in labor always available?
No, a few patients in labor are not candidates for regional anesthesia, but most are. The reasons that you may not be a candidate for regional anesthesia can include bleeding disorders, certain infections, previous back surgery, or extreme obesity.
Source: www.paamg.net
What are the most common side-effects of epidural and spinal anesthesia?
The most common side effects from epidural and spinal anesthesia are: Itching this is not an allergy, but a common side effect of some of the medication. A decrease in blood pressure this is due to the medications and relief of pain. This is usually counteracted with increased IV fluids and occasionally, medication. For this reason, an IV is placed prior to the epidural. Vital signs of you and your baby will be followed during the epidural anesthetic. ...
Source: www.asmgmd.com
Q: How are spinal and epidural anesthesia performed? Do they hurt?
You will be monitored during the procedure, and you will have an IV placed before the procedure to insure that you are properly hydrated. Lab work will be performed to be sure that you can have this procedure safely. Sterile drapes and disinfectants will be placed on your lower back. A local anesthetic will be injected with a small needle to numb the area of the procedure. ...
Source: www.paamg.net
Q: What is epidural and spinal anesthesia?
These are two of the common types of regional anesthesia. These anesthetics are used to “numb” the loser half of the body for many surgical procedures. Both types of regional anesthesia involve the placement of a needle, and sometimes a small plastic tube (catheter), into the lower back region. After this is done, local anesthetics are injected to achieve numbness of the desired region. The numbness can last varying amounts of time based upon the amount and the type of anesthetic used. ^ top of page
Source: www.paamg.net
Will epidural anesthesia and other pain medications be available to me during labor?
Absolutely. Women may opt to receive epidural anesthesia or intravenous pain medicine during their labor and birth with The Midwives & Associates . However, most clients find that they need nothing more than position changes, gentle massages, warm baths and reassuring words from the midwife at their side!
Source: www.valleymidwives.com
What are the newest developments in epidural anesthesia?
There’s been a trend over the years towards lower doses of medications. An epidural today contains approximately one-tenth the amount of medication that one may have received 20 years ago. With older epidurals, your legs felt almost totally numb. Now almost all patients can feel and move their legs, and they experience contractions as a tightening or slight ache. Women today can be much more involved in the experience, which is an important psychological advantage. In addition, many epidurals now are “patient-controlled”. ...
Source: www.destinationmaternity.com
Q: What is involved in getting spinal or epidural anesthesia? Does it hurt?
First the proper monitors will be placed, such as an EKG and blood pressure cuff. An IV will be placed. You are then placed in a sitting position or on your side and sterile drapes are placed on the lower back. A local anesthetic (numbing medicine) is then placed in the area by the use of a small needle. Once the area is numb, a spinal or epidural needle is then advanced to the proper position while you stay still. ...
Source: www.paamg.net
If I don't feel anything and don't remember anything during Spinal or Epidural Anesthesia, A: how is that different from General Anesthesia?
General Anesthesia places the brain at a much deeper level of sedation. Usually during General Anesthesia the patient's breathing must be controlled by the Anesthesia provider. This usually requires placement of a breathing tube into the patient's trachea or wind pipe after the patient is anesthetized. During Spinal or Epidural Anesthesia, the patient may be sedated, but is usually breathing spontaneously without assistance. ...
Source: www.foothills-anesthesia.com
