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.
Quick facts
Easy access
Call us today to book an appointment
Fast referral
Get seen and treated within 14 days
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
We operate as teams of experts with world-class resources dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of medical care. You are surrounded by the latest treatments and advice with everything you need to get back to your best health.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our nurses, clinicians and support teams are dedicated to the care of a very small number of patients, so have more time for you. They’ll be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care around you and giving the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through each step of your experience, with complexities unravelled and answers readily to hand. Your personal treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
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.
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 finance options available with Chrysalis