Introduction
The application of epidural anaesthesia is considered a very safe procedure in medicine. The probability of the catheter not being in the right place and resulting in pain (so-called failure rate) is about 1%. Side effects and complications also include: You can find even more information about epidural anaesthesia at Epidural anaesthesia – implementation and complications
- Drop in blood pressure – a rather gentle, slow getting up (initially sitting on the edge of the bed) is recommended in the days after the operation
- Infection of the catheter puncture site
- Headaches – these occur when the hard cerebral membrane is injured during the application of the PDA and thus cerebral fluid can leak out (so-called post-puncture headache)
Allergic reaction to the anesthetic
The human body can be allergic to any drug that is administered. Allergic reactions, both to the local anaesthetic and to the painkiller (opioid) are possible. As a rule, the drugs used are well tolerated and are absolutely proven in practice.
It is important that patients inform their physician in advance of any known allergies or intolerances, ideally by presenting their allergy passport. In this way avoidable complications can be prevented. If no allergies are known or the medication is given for the first time, in the worst case, “Allergic shock” (anaphylactic shock) can occur. However, an anesthesiologist (anaesthetist) and other specialist personnel are present during every epidural or epidural anaesthesia. They permanently monitor all patients and can immediately treat such complications adequately.
Headache as a possible complication?
So-called “post-puncture headaches” can occur in the course of both epidural or epidural anaesthesia and spinal anaesthesia. Since the hard meninges (dura mater) are punctured during spinal anaesthesia, in contrast to epidural anaesthesia, the risk is somewhat higher during this procedure. This is due to the fact that a small leak can develop in the hard meninges, through which small amounts of cerebrospinal fluid can escape. The resulting negative pressure causes headaches, which can be treated well.
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