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Spinal Anesthesia Is the Smart Choice

When spinal anesthesia is administered, the needle passes through the epidural space into the subarachnoid space, where the cerebrospinal fluid resides. It takes effect much more quickly than an epidural — usually three to five minutes. Spinal is a home run for lower extremity, lower abdominal, pelvic and perineal procedures. Spinal immobilizes and desensitizes everything below the injection site, but the block wears off quickly, and bladder function and mobility are rapidly restored. Side effects are few — a slight headache is the most commonly reported one. All of this is perfect for outpatient surgery.

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Articles of Interest

Spinal Anesthesia and C-Sections: Everything You Need to Know, According to an Expert

Once I see spinal fluid in the needle, I inject the small amount of local anesthetic needed to numb you from your armpits to your toes. After this injection, everything is removed from your back. Unlike an epidural, the only thing left inside of you is the medication. After the spinal is placed, you will quickly lay on your back and the operating room staff will start to prep you for surgery. Once the drapes are up and the surgeon tests to make sure the spinal is working properly by pinching your skin, your support person will be allowed to come into the operating room. During the C-section behind the drape, it’s just you, your support person, and me.

Spinal Anesthesia Linked to Higher Painkiller Use in Hip Fracture Patients

For some surgeries, spinal anesthesia has been increasingly used instead of general anesthesia as a method to provide more comfort to patients and cut down on painkiller use. But research among hip fracture patients shows that this change may actually be having the reverse of its intended effect. The study, led by researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, was published today in Annals of Internal Medicine.

Spinal Anesthesia: The Neuraxial Block

Indications of Spinal Anesthesia - Surgeries below the level of the umbilicus; examples are genitourinary surgery, gynecological surgery, hernia repairs, and surgeries performed on the lower extremities. It is especially suited for older patients and those with diseases such as chronic respiratory, renal, or hepatic disease.

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StatPearls

The development of regional anesthesia started with the isolation of local anesthetics, the first being cocaine (the only naturally occurring local anesthetic). The first regional anesthetic technique performed was spinal anesthesia, and the first operation under spinal anesthesia was in 1898 in Germany by August Bier. Before this, the only local anesthetic techniques were topical anesthesia of the eye and infiltration anesthesia.