The anaesthetist will have discussed the possible complications of epidurals prior to insertion. Serious complications from epidural analgesia are rare (1 in 10,000). Because the epidural space is close to the spinal cord, a collection of pus or a blood clot can cause pressure on the spinal cord. In the unlikely event that there is pressure on the spinal cord it is crucial to diagnose and treat it as quickly as possible. This must be done by specialist doctors to prevent delays in treatment and long lasting damage.
Whilst you are an inpatient the Acute Pain Nurses will see you regularly to check that the epidural is working and that your legs are not too numb or weak.
When the epidural is removed the nurses will check to ensure that you do not have any residual numbness or weakness of your legs from the action of the drugs in the epidural infusion. They will ask you to move your legs and examine you to make sure that the sensation in your legs is as it was before the operation.
It is important to remember that some operations can cause altered sensation in the legs; therefore any changes experienced may be as a result of the surgery and not the epidural. If you do have altered sensation when the epidural is removed your team will discuss this with you.
When you go home it is important that you contact the ward if you experience any of the following signs / symptoms as a new problem (up to 6 months after surgery):
• Redness, pus, tenderness or pain at the epidural wound site on your back.
• Feeling generally unwell despite the fact that all seems to be well with the surgical wound.
• High temperature, neck stiffness, headache. • Numbness and / or weakness in your legs / inability to weight bear.
• Difficulty passing water / incontinence of faeces.
Please contact the urgent care centre 01253 924158 and they will advise you about returning to the hospital for assessment.
For further information on this subject, please contact the Acute Pain Team via switchboard: 01253 300000.
Visit the Royal College of Anaesthetists website for more patient information about epidurals for pain relief after surgery at: http://www.rcoa.ac.uk/document-store/epidurals-pain-relief-aftersurgery
