Alternate Names : Peridural Anesthesia, AN Epidural
Epidural anesthesia is a method used to eliminate pain during certain
procedures or surgeries. In this form of
anesthesia, medication is injected inside the spinal column with a
needle or thin tube.
Who is a candidate for the procedure?
An epidural, as the procedure is commonly called, is usually used for
procedures performed below the rib cage. It is often the preferred way to
reduce pain during childbirth. It can also be used for pain control after
surgery or childbirth. Sometimes an epidural is used instead of general anesthesia if a person is very
weak or sick.
How is the procedure performed?
A needle or special tube is inserted through the skin of the back until it
enters the spinal column. Medication can then be injected into the spinal
column. It is injected just outside the sac that contains the spinal
cord. The medication acts on nerves that come from the spinal cord and carry
pain messages to the brain.
An epidural is different from spinal
anesthesia, a procedure in which the medication is injected inside
the sac that contains the spinal cord. Epidurals are usually preferred for
childbirth and are often better for pain control. Spinals require less
medication and work faster, but they are more likely to cause headaches and low blood
Medication for epidural anesthesia may be given as a one-time injection with a
needle. Another method is to put a special tube into the space around the sac
inside the spinal column. This tube stays in place. If the surgery lasts a long
time or pain medication is needed after surgery, more medication can be given
through the tube.
The medication stops the sensation of pain and paralyzes the muscles, usually
only below the rib cage. The amount of medication used can affect how far the
numbness and paralysis extend through the body. The individual is generally awake during
the procedure. Sedatives can be given if the person has anxiety.
Careful monitoring is done during the procedure. The oxygen levels in the
blood, pulse, blood pressure, and other functions are monitored. Fluids
are usually given through an intravenous
line (IV) to prevent dehydration
and low blood pressure. If a tube is
inserted into the spinal column, it is removed when no longer needed.