MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia:Epidural - series: Procedure, part 4

Skip navigation

Medical Encyclopedia

Epidural - series: Procedure, part 4

Epidural - series
Illustrations:

Procedure, part 4

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: 6/6/2006

Updated by: Audra Robertson, MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.