Contents:
- Medical Video: Epidural & Spinal Anesthesia
- What is spinal anesthesia?
- When do I need to get spinal anesthesia?
- What should I know before getting spinal anesthesia?
- What is the process of giving spinal anesthesia?
- What complications can occur?
Medical Video: Epidural & Spinal Anesthesia
Definition
What is spinal anesthesia?
Administration of spinal anesthesia is done by injecting local anesthesia and other painkillers in the area near the patient's spinal cord called the subarachnoid space. This anesthesia makes the nerves numb so that the patient cannot feel pain in certain areas of his body. For its use, spinal anesthesia can be used separately when the patient is conscious, or together with anesthesia or general anesthesia. In addition, this anesthetic can also be used postoperatively and has proven effective in relieving pain in the patient's body. The anesthetist will do the procedure for injecting anesthesia through a syringe.
When do I need to get spinal anesthesia?
In most cases, spinal anesthesia is suitable for operations involving the area under the waist. The benefits of spinal anesthesia depend on the health condition of each patient. Anesthesiologists are always available to assist patients in choosing the appropriate anesthesia.
Spinal anesthesia is often used for:
- orthopedic surgery in joints or leg bones
- treatment of groin hernias, varicose veins, hemorrhoid surgery (hemorrhoids)
- vascular surgery: surgery on blood vessels in the legs)
- gynecology: prolapse and certain types of hysterectomy
- obstetrics: caesarean section
- urology: prostate surgery, bladder surgery, genital surgery
Prevention & warning
What should I know before getting spinal anesthesia?
Alternatively, spinal anesthesia can be used for surgery below the waist. Anesthesia will be injected in the back so that the waist area down will numb and surgery can be done. The use of spinal anesthesia is safe and comfortable for many people, depending on the medical condition and the type of surgery the patient is undergoing. Generally, the side effects of using spinal anesthesia are the appearance of headaches. But do not worry because this effect can be treated easily.
Under the use of spinal anesthesia, patients can:
- totally conscious
- semi-conscious - use drugs that make the patient relaxed and sleepy but still conscious
- unconscious (general anesthesia)
The anesthetist will be on standby to help patients choose the appropriate anesthesia
Process
What is the process of giving spinal anesthesia?
This anesthesia will be given by an anesthetist by injection. This procedure is not painful even though it can cause discomfort to the patient. The drug will usually last for one to three hours. With the right dose, the doctor will make sure the anesthesia lasts longer than the duration of the operation the patient will undergo.
What should I do after getting spinal anesthesia?
Usually your body takes about one to four hours to recover. Notify the nurse if there are complaints during this recovery process. When the effects of the drug gradually disappear, your skin may experience tingling. In addition, you may begin to feel pain in the former area of surgery. Therefore, painkillers may be needed before the pain is felt. You may feel unsteady when you first get out of bed. Ask the nurse to help you stand. After one hour after surgery, you are usually allowed to drink and also eat soft foods.
Complications
What complications can occur?
- failed spinal anesthesia
- low blood pressure
- headache
- itchy
- difficulty urinating
- back pain
- hearing ability is lost or changed
- cardiovascular collapse
- high block
- infection around the spine
- nerve damage
- paralysis or death
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
