What is epidural anesthesia and what is it for?

Epidural anesthesia, or epidural anesthesia, is a type of anesthesia that blocks pain and sensations in a single area of the body, usually from the waist down, so that the person can stay awake during surgery, as it does not affect the level of consciousness, and is often used in simple surgical procedures, such as during normal delivery or during small surgeries , such as gynecological or cosmetic surgeries, for example.

To perform the epidural, the anesthetic drug is applied in the vertebral space until it reaches the nerves of the region, having a temporary action, controlled by the doctor, is performed in any hospital with surgical center, by the anaesthetist and its price is between 400 and 1000 reais, which varies considerably depending on the doctor and the hospital where it is performed.

  • Epidural anesthesia is similar to spinal anesthesia.
  • However.
  • While in epidural anesthesia.
  • The anesthetic drug is administered in the space around the spinal canal.
  • In greater quantity and through a catheter located in the back.
  • Spinal anesthesia is applied inside the spine.
  • Both and in smaller quantities.
  • In addition.
  • When deeper anesthesia is required.
  • General anesthesia is indicated.
  • Find out how general anesthesia works and its risks.

Epidural anesthesia is generally used in minor surgeries, being very common during a normal delivery because it avoids pain during delivery and does not harm the baby.

During anesthesia, the patient sits and leans forward or side, with the knees and chin bent, then the anesthetist opens the spaces between the vertebrae of the spine with his hand, applies a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort and inserts the needle and a thin plastic tube, called a catheter, that goes through the center of the needle.

With the catheter inserted, your doctor injects the anesthetic medicine through the tube and, although it doesn’t hurt, you may feel a slight prick when the needle is placed, followed by pressure and pressure.a feeling of warmth when the drug is applied.Your doctor will be able to control the amount and duration, and sometimes it is possible to combine the epidural with your spine for a faster effect.

The risks of epidural anesthesia are very rare, however, chills, fever, infections and nerve damage near the site may occur, and it is also common to experience headaches after waking from surgery due to anesthesia.precautions to be taken before and after surgery to avoid risks and recover more quickly.

Epidural anesthesia is different from spinal anesthesia because it is applied in different regions:

Epidural is often used during childbirth because it allows the use of several doses throughout the day, while the spine is most used for surgeries, using only one dose of the anesthetic drug.

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