Medical Encyclopedia

Medical Encyclopedia

Epidural - series: Procedure, part 3

 Procedure, part 3

Epidural - series
Illustrations:

  • Procedure, part 1
  • Procedure, part 2
  • Procedure, part 3
  • Procedure, part 4
  • Procedure, part 5
  • Procedure, part 6
  • Before you get an epidural, your doctor will wash your back with antiseptic and determine the best place for the injection. Next, you'll get a shot of local anesthetic to numb the spot where the epidural needle will be inserted.

    Update Date: 5/2/2008

    Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine; Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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