Day of epidural anaesthesia

Overview

Epidural anaesthesia is a numbing medicine injected into the space around the spinal cord in your lower back. It blocks pain from a large area of your body, often used during surgery on your legs, hips, or abdomen. The 'day of epidural anaesthesia' means the day you receive this type of pain relief for your operation.

Yes, epidural anaesthesia is a standard and safe option for many types of surgery, especially on the lower body. Your anaesthetist will explain if it is suitable for you.

Epidural anaesthesia is commonly used for adults having major surgery on the legs, hips, pelvis, or belly (like a hip replacement or bowel surgery). It can also be used for pain relief during childbirth.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• You will feel numbness and loss of feeling in your lower body, including your legs and belly.
• You may feel a warm sensation as the medicine starts to work.
• You might have a slight drop in blood pressure, which the team will monitor and manage.
• You may feel shaky or have a mild headache after the procedure.

Symptoms in children

• Epidural anaesthesia is not often used in young children. If it is, the child may feel confused or restless as the numbness sets in.
• The anaesthetic team will explain everything to you beforehand.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may be more sensitive to the medicine, so the dose is carefully adjusted.
• You might feel more drowsy or have a slower recovery of feeling in your legs.

Causes

Main causes

• Epidural anaesthesia is not caused by a disease; it is a planned medical procedure. You choose this method together with your anaesthetist to manage pain during and after surgery.

Risk factors

• The success and safety of epidural anaesthesia depend on your overall health, any bleeding disorders, infections near the injection site, or previous back surgery.
• Your anaesthetist will review your medical history to decide if it is right for you.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have a sudden severe headache after the epidural (especially when sitting up) – this could be a spinal fluid leak.
• If you have trouble breathing or a high fever shortly after the procedure.
• If you lose feeling or movement in your legs that does not go away as expected within a few hours.

Book a routine appointment if:

• You will see your anaesthetist before and after the procedure as part of your surgery plan.

Diagnosis

Epidural anaesthesia is not diagnosed – it is a treatment. Before the procedure, your anaesthetist will assess you with a physical exam and review your medical history to ensure it is safe and appropriate for you.

Tests that may be done

• Your anaesthetist may check your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels.
• They may ask about your medical history and any allergies.
• No lab tests are required unless you have specific conditions.

What to expect at your appointment

On the day of surgery, you will be taken to a preparation area. The anaesthetist will explain the process, ask you to sign a consent form, and then place the epidural while you lie on your side or sit hunched forward. It takes about 15-20 minutes. You will feel a pinch and some pressure, but not sharp pain.

Treatment

Epidural anaesthesia is given as a single injection or through a thin tube (catheter) left in place for ongoing pain relief. The medicine numbs the nerves in the lower spine. This allows you to have surgery without feeling pain in the lower body. You may also receive light sedation (medicine to relax you) if needed.

Self-care at home

• Follow the hospital's instructions about fasting (not eating or drinking) before surgery.
• Tell your anaesthetist about any medications you take, including over‑the‑counter pills.
• Stay calm and ask questions if you feel anxious – the team is there to help.

Medical treatments

The anaesthetist will use a local anaesthetic medicine (like bupivacaine or lidocaine) often combined with a small amount of opioid (painkiller) to prolong the effect. The exact medicines and doses are chosen based on your needs and the type of surgery. These are not brand‑specific. The team will adjust the dose during the procedure to keep you comfortable.

When is surgery considered?

Epidural anaesthesia is used for surgeries on the lower body, such as hip or knee replacement, caesarean section, hernia repair, or leg surgery. Your surgeon will discuss whether it is appropriate for your specific operation.

Living with this condition

After surgery, the epidural may be left in place for 24–48 hours to control pain. You will be closely monitored. Once the epidural is removed, sensation gradually returns. You may feel tingling or mild discomfort as feeling comes back. Most people can move their legs again within a few hours.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay in bed or rest as instructed until the numbness fully wears off.
• Do not try to walk until the nurse says it is safe – you may be unsteady.
• Ask for help with using the toilet or moving around until your legs feel normal.

Diet and exercise

You can usually start drinking liquids soon after surgery if you are not nauseous. Follow the hospital's advice on when to eat solid food. Gentle walking as guided by your physiotherapist helps prevent blood clots and strengthens your muscles.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is normal to feel nervous on the day of surgery. The epidural itself is painless, and the team will support you. Some people worry about the needle, but most find the procedure easier than expected. If you feel very anxious, speak to your anaesthetist – they can offer sedation to help you relax.

Prevention

Epidural anaesthesia is a planned part of your surgery – it is not something to prevent. The risks of side effects are low, and the team takes steps to prevent complications by checking your health beforehand and using sterile techniques.

Complications

If left untreated

• If a spinal fluid leak (post‑dural puncture headache) is not treated, it can cause severe headache and neck stiffness, but it usually resolves with rest and fluids.
• If a rare infection (epidural abscess) is not treated, it can cause nerve damage. This is very rare and the team monitors you closely.

Long-term outlook

Epidural anaesthesia is extremely safe when performed by trained professionals. The vast majority of people have no problems and excellent pain control during and after surgery. Any side effects are usually mild and temporary. Your healthcare team will be with you every step of the way.

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