Risks From Epidurals And Spinal Anaesthetics Are Overestimated: Study

The risks of severe complications linked with epidurals and spinal anaesthetics are exaggerated , according to a study.

The risks of severe complications linked with epidurals and spinal anaesthetics are "exaggerated", according to a study.

The study, led by Dr Tim Cook of the Royal United Hospital, Bath, suggests that the procedures are safer than previously thought.

It showed that the risk of permanent harm linked with spinal anaesthetic or epidural was about one in 23,000 to one in 50,000.

Permanent injury in the study was defined as symptoms lasting more than six months.

The risk of being paralysed was two to three times less than of suffering any permanent harm.

Spinal or Epidural anesthesia
Slides and animation on spinal and epidural anesthesia illustrating the essentials of the procedure for a patient to understand.

Besides, the risk for women requiring pain relief for labour or Caesarean section was still lower, and the most pessimistic estimate of permanent harm was one in 80,000.

It was found, the risk of harm associated with epidural use during surgery was considerably higher than during childbirth, between one in 6,000 and one in 12,000.

Risks from Epidurals and Spinal Anaesthetics Exaggerated
The fear of complications from the use of epidurals and spinal anaesthetics is exaggerated , a study has said.

However, even that was lower than previous estimates.

Cook said that the reason behind higher risk could be that many patients were elderly with medical problems, "and that the surgery itself increases risks," reports The Independent.

Epidurals Associated With Breastfeeding Problems
A study done by researchers from University of Sydney suggested that having an epidural to relieve labour pains is associated with problems in breastfeeding.

The study was published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia.

Source-ANI
SRM