What is a combined spinal epidural?
With a combined spinal epidural, after the epidural needle is inserted into the epidural space a spinal needle is passed through the epidural needle and through the dura to reach the spinal fluid.Medication is then given into the spinal fluid through the spinal needle.Medication given into the spinal fluid works much faster than medication given into the epidural space allowing for faster relief of labor pain. The spinal needle is then withdrawn and a catheter is threaded through the epidural needle into the epidural space.The epidural needle is then removed leaving a few inches of the catheter in the epidural space.The portion of the catheter that is outside the back is then secured to the back with adhesive tape and the catheter is used to deliver medication into the epidural space to provide continuous pain relief once the medication given into the spinal fluid wears off. The benefit of this technique is that it provides faster pain relief than just an epidural.
