Medical Encyclopedia

Medical Encyclopedia

Epidural - series: Procedure, part 4

 Procedure, part 4

Epidural - series
Illustrations:

  • Procedure, part 1
  • Procedure, part 2
  • Procedure, part 3
  • Procedure, part 4
  • Procedure, part 5
  • Procedure, part 6

    • The doctor will carefully insert an epidural needle between your vertebrae, thread a hollow tube through the needle, and remove the needle, leaving the catheter in place. Anesthetic is then administered through the catheter.

    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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