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Epidurals for surgery and pain relief Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, April 2009.

Answers to questions about epidurals for surgery and pain relief

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

Which types of painkillers are injected through an epidural?

A group of medicines called opiates are usually given through an epidural. Opiates are commonly used to relieve the pain of heart attack, injury, surgery and cancers. The type of opiate you have depends on how much pain you are feeling and on your medical condition.

Explanation

Pain relief medicines such as morphine, fentanyl, diamorphine or pethidine belong to the opiates group of medicines. In an epidural, they can be used both alone and in combination with a low dose of local anaesthetic. An epidural allows medicines to be delivered directly into the spine. The medicines act on the spinal cord to block the way in which pain signals are sent from the body to the brain, and they block the way in which pain signals are processed in the brain. This means you feel less pain.

Which type of medicine you have from the opiate group depends on how much pain you are feeling and on your medical condition. For example after a hip or knee operation you will usually have morphine or diamorphine. These medicines can affect breathing, so if you have heart or lung problems or if you are a woman giving birth, then you are more likely to have fentanyl or pethidine.

For pain relief after surgery or during childbirth the epidural is usually connected to a pump. This means medicines can be topped up at regular intervals. Sometimes patients are allowed to top up the dose as and when they need it. This is called patient-controlled analgesia.

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Does an epidural make you feel groggy or doped up?

This depends on the type of medicines you have through the epidural. Sedatives and strong pain relief medicines such as morphine or diamorphine can make you feel drowsy.

Explanation

An epidural allows medicines to be delivered directly into the spine. The types of medicines usually given through an epidural include:

  • local anaesthetic - this blocks feeling in the affected areas
  • sedatives - these help relieve anxiety and help you to relax
  • painkillers - these block the way in which pain signals are sent from the body to the brain
  • steroids - these help reduce inflammation

If you have sedatives or strong pain relief medicines such as morphine or diamorphine you will feel drowsy and the medicines may temporarily affect your co-ordination and reasoning skills. Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns about the type of medicines you are having or their effects.

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Will I be able to see what the surgeon is doing during an operation under epidural anaesthesia?

No, during the operation the area is shielded from you so you won't be able to see what your surgeon is doing.

Explanation

If you have an operation under epidural anaesthesia you will stay awake. You won't feel anything from the waist down but you may get a sensation of pushing or pulling during the operation.

You will usually be lying on your back but for some procedures (for example, a hip operation) you may be lying on your side. A raised sheet or shield is usually placed over the chest area to hide your lower body from your view.

Your surgeon will perform the operation and the raised sheet or shield is only removed after the wound is closed and covered with a dressing.

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: April 2009

 

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