A spinal anaesthetic is performed by an anaesthetist. Spinal anaesthetic is injected directly into the cerebrospinal fluid sac that covers your spinal cord. It is sometimes called a spinal block.
A very fine needle is inserted into your back and guided into the fluid sac surrounding your spinal cord. A local anaesthetic is then injected to numb the nerves that supply your stomach, hips, bottom and legs. It completely numbs your body below and sometimes above the site of the injection. You will not feel any pain from an operation. You will also not be able to move your legs.
Spinal anaesthetic may be used for many surgeries including urology (prostate, bladder or genital operations); orthopaedic (operations on your bones in the hips, legs and feet); gynaecology (womb, vagina or ovary operations); vascular (leg blood vessel operations); general (groin hernia and pile operations; and obstetrics for caesarean section.
Sometimes a spinal anaesthetic is given before a general anaesthetic to provide additional pain relief after surgery.
A spinal anaesthetic may be used instead of general anaesthetic as it presents:
Yes, during a spinal anaesthetic you are awake. You may be:
There are some similarities and differences between epidural and spinal anaesthesia. Your anaesthetist will explain this more fully and their recommended anaesthetic for you based on your health, preferences and procedure.
Both epidural and spinal anaesthetic:
The differences between epidural and spinal anaesthetic:
A spinal anaesthetic usually lasts one to three hours. Your anaesthetist will monitor the drug level in your body and ensure they stay effective throughout your procedure
After a spinal anaesthetic, it takes up to four hours for feeling in your lower body to fully return. You will feel tingling as your sensation starts to come back. You may not be able to move your legs until the anaesthetic has worn off and then you might feel unsteady on your feet and lightheaded.
You might feel some post-operation pain too. Ask for pain relief if you need it.
You can go home when the effects have completely worn off and you can walk and move about as normal. You should rest for the remainder of the day.
Do not drive for at least 24 hours after your anaesthetic.
The cost of a spinal anaesthetic will depend on: the exact anaesthetics used; your procedure; and your Ramsay hospital of choice.
You will receive a formal quotation price for your surgery and associated spinal anaesthetic costs, after a consultation with one of our expert surgeons. This formal quote will be valid for 60 days and includes unlimited aftercare.
Spinals are typically covered by health insurance for medically necessary procedures. You should obtain written confirmation from your insurance provider prior to starting your treatment.
For those paying for their surgery and anaesthetic themselves, we have a number of finance options. These include:
A spinal anaesthetic is an alternative to a general anaesthetic for operations below your waist. The anaesthetic is injected directly into the fluid sac around your spinal cord and provides immediate pain relief.
Ramsay Health Care works together with leading consultant anaesthetists who are members of The Royal College of Anaesthetists.
Your anaesthetist will help you to decide on the best pain relief for you whilst taking into consideration your preferences and healthcare needs. They are focused on giving you the best quality patient care.
Your local Ramsay Health Care hospital is committed to ensuring excellent safety at all times. All Ramsay hospitals adhere to strict infection control protocols to minimise the risk of infection, including Covid-19.
Dr Adrian Head-Rapson
Dr Adrian Head-Rapson is a Consultant Anaesthetist who specialises in Pain management in Lancashire and Manchester.
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Find out moreA general anaesthetic is a combination of drugs that causes deep sleep.
A local anaesthetic is a drug that is injected into the tissues to make them numb.
Ramsay Health Care UK are celebrating after being named as a Gold National Joint Registry (NJR) Quality Data Provider after successfully completing a national data quality audit programme for 25 of their hospitals offering orthopaedic procedures.
