Epidural anaesthetic
An epidural anaesthetic is a locally acting drug injected into the spine to numb the lower part of the body completely. If you are having an operation such as a knee replacement, your consultant may advise an epidural.
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What is it for?
A drug injected into the spine to numb the lower part of the body
Treatment overview
What to expect on the day of surgery:
You will need to have the same general pre-operative checks as if you were going to have a general anaesthetic. These will include:
- Checking your medical history for problems such as asthma, allergic reactions to any drugs, and asking you about current medication for any related or unrelated medical problems.
- Checking your blood pressure and listening to your heart.
- Asking you about smoking: if you smoke, all our consultants will strongly recommend that you stop for as long as possible before your operation and resist smoking again for as long as possible afterwards. Smoking reduces your body’s ability to heal wounds, and stopping smoking can make your recovery easier.
- Finding out about any dental issues: loose teeth, crowns or bridges can be dangerous if they come out while you are being intubated under anaesthetic.
- Reminding you about your personal items: you will also need to arrive for surgery without your hearing aid, contact lenses or glasses.
How you will be prepared for treatment:
You will be prepared for theatre and will be fitted with compression stockings to prevent deep vein thrombosis, and then you will placed in the correct position for the epidural to be administered into your back.
The anaesthetist will introduce a needle into the space around your spinal cord that contains spinal fluid and insert the epidural anaesthetic. You may have a local anaesthetic just before to numb the skin.
The epidural anaesthetic blocks signals from the nerves from the lower part of the body into the spine, your legs and lower abdominal area will become completely numb and you will not be able to move your legs until the anaesthetic wears off.
For a short operation, a single epidural injection is usually all that you need but for longer operations we use a pump to infuse anaesthetic into your back for as long as the surgeon requires.
What if I feel anxious?
Some patients may feel anxious and distressed about being awake for surgery and we can give you a sedative to help you feel more relaxed and calm.
We also take care to screen off the surgical work from your view but you will be aware of the surgical team. Our surgeons and nurses will talk to you throughout the procedure to reassure you.
Recovering after an epidural anaesthetic
Most patients do not feel drowsy after an epidural but they cannot move when they get back to their room until the anaesthetic wears off. You will feel no pain at first, but then pain relief can be given to control any discomfort.
Some patients find that they cannot pass urine until the epidural wears off because it blocks sensation to the bladder. You will have a catheter for a few hours to help you urinate, but this is usually removed early the next day.
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
The London Clinic, in collaboration with Northwestern Medicine, operate as teams of experts with world-class resources, dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care. Surrounded by the latest treatments and advice, you’ll have everything you need to get back to your best health. Our patient rooms are designed for your comfort, while our catering team, in collaboration with expert dietitians, provide healthy, delicious meals to support your recovery.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our teams will be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care to your specific needs and giving you the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands. To provide exceptional care, we keep our staff-to-patient ratio low, so our nurses, clinicians, therapists, and support teams can offer a personalised, quality experience. You’ll notice the difference.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through every step of your patient experience. From explaining your personal treatment plan to ensuring all details are taken care of, we make the process stress-free, so you can focus on your health. Whether it’s your first consultation or follow-up care, our teams are here to provide seamless support and the peace of mind you deserve
What's included in your package?
Choosing The London Clinic means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That’s why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us. To help you manage the cost, we also offer a 0% finance option, allowing you to spread the payments for your treatment over 12 months with no added interest. Learn more about our finance options here.
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you’re paying for yourself, we have 0% finance options available with Chrysalis. Find out more here.