Spinals and Epidurals
These techniques can be used when the surgical area is below the belly button. When used in combination with a general anaesthetic or sedation (twilight sleep), they are techniques for post surgical pain management.
Dr Lim will either give you a sedative for the spinal or epidural insertion. If you are having a general anaesthetic, he will often perform the spinal or epidural insertion when you are asleep.
The advantages of these techniques are that they provide ideal conditions for the surgery with the least amount of stress on your body systems. In addition, they also provide excellent pain management. You will be able to delay taking oral pain medications which may cause nausea and vomiting.
Spinals and epidurals are the technique of choice for caesarian sections as they are the safest options for both mother and baby. Being awake allows the mother to experience the birth of their baby.
Spinal Blocks
Dr Lim will insert a very fine needle between the bones inm your lower back. He will then inject a small dose of local anaesthetic and pain medication. The local anaesthetic will numb you below the belly button. The operation can then proceed without hurting you.
The pain medication will help control your pain for several hours after the surgery. Sedatives can be given to help relieve your stress and anxiety.
Epidurals
Dr Lim will insert a fine soft plastic tube between the bones in your lower back. When the tube is in the correct location, it will be securely taped down on your back.
Dr Lim will then be able to inject local anaesthetics and pain medication down the tube to numb you below the belly button. Sedatives can be given to help relieve your stress and anxiety.
Epidurals are more commonly used for post-operative pain management.
