What is spinal anesthesia and how does it differ from an epidural?
With spinal anesthesia, anesthetic is injected into the spinal fluid that surrounds the spinal cord, blocking the transmission of pain signals to the brain. This prevents you from feeling pain. Your body is numb from about the waist down. You can choose to sleep through surgery or remain awake. Spinal anesthesia is an excellent choice for major orthopedic procedures of the knee and hip. With epidural anesthesia, anesthetic is injected into the epidural space, which is just next to the spinal fluid. The anesthetic can be given through a needle or through a small catheter inserted into the epidural space. The catheter can be left in place, so that you can also receive pain relief after surgery. Epidural anesthesia is an excellent choice for major abdominal and chest surgery. Women who are delivering their babies use epidural anesthesia extensively.
