Anaesthesia
What is Anaesthesia
Anaesthesia is the absence of pain sensation in either all or part of the body. In general anaesthesia consciousness is lost and you go “sleep”. In local anaesthesia only a part of the body is made numb, example like your arm or leg or abdomen. This is call regional anaesthesia.
Epidural anaesthesia is a special form of regional anaesthesia which can be used to numb the area of your chest, abdomen, pelvis and legs.
What is an epidural
Epidural anaesthesia is used to temporary numb the nerves carrying pain sensation. A special epidural needle is inserted into the lower part of back; a small amount of local anaesthesia may be first injected into the skin of the area. This causes a little sting but it is often the only part that hurts. The tip of the epidural needle is advanced into the space which contains the nerves before they enter the spinal cord. With the epidural needle in place, a fine plastic tubing can then be passed through the needle. The needle is withdrawn and the plastics tube taped in place so drug doses can be made through it with no further injections.
Epidural anaesthetic - What happens first
Before performing an epidural anaesthetic, first your anaesthetist will ask you about your previous anaesthetic history and will assess your medical condition. You will be asked questions about any allergies you may have, and about any medications you may be taking. An intravenous drip will be started, usually through an injection on the back of your hand. Extra fluid is given through this drip. It is also used t give drugs rapidly when necessary. If you are in extreme pain when requesting your epidural, then your pre-anaesthesia consultation may be brief. You can rest assured that your anaesthetist will commence your epidural as soon as it is considered safe to do so. Any questions you wish to ask will be readily answered.
Anaesthetic - What are the risk
No anaesthetic is without risk, but most patients do not suffer any serious complications. When they do occur, complications vary from mild and inconvenient (headache, backache, nausea, vomiting, shivering, drip side bruising) to the severe but very rare, such as damage to the spinal cord or nervous system, or death. The risk of developing a serious complication is very remote when the epidural is performed by someone who is inexperienced, and when ongoing care is provided by staff who are experienced in epidural management.
Epidural anaesthetic - What are the side effects
Once your pain has been relieved, your blood pressure can fall somewhat an this might make you feel a little light-headed or nauseated. A fall in blood pressure is usually not serious and can easily treated. Sometimes the fall is helpful, if your blood pressure is already high. It is important not to lie flat on your back because this position can affect your circulation and blood pressure and make you feel faint. You should always lie on your side, or arrange a pillow to tilt your body to one side.
Epidural anaesthetic - What more should I know
Occasionally the epidural needle is inserted a little further than intended, causing a “lumbar puncture” or mall leak of the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. This is not serious in itself but can cause a severe headache, which can be treated effectively. Infection following an epidural is extremely rare and if treated early with antibiotics usually recovered completely without complications. Epidural are very safe when performed and managed properly. Serious complications are extremely rare. Minor complications such as lumbar puncture headache, are uncommon and are easily treated.
Epidural anaesthetic - What drugs are used
Modern epidural in usually combine a low concentration local anaesthetic with a morphine-related pain relieving drug such as fentanyl. This takes away the pain but allows enough sensation for you to still feel your movements.
