Continuous epidural infusions are appropriate for patients in a wide range of surgery types, including orthopedics, thoracic, vascular, general surgery, urology, plastic and reconstructive, and obstetrics and gynecology. Most epidurals are placed pre-operatively for practical and patient safety reasons. The patient can enjoy the benefits of epidural analgesia upon emerging from their anesthesia rather than suffering from inadequate analgesia in the recovery room. The beneficial effects of continous epidural infusions are well documented: improved pulmonary fuction, earlier ambulation, better pain control, less nursing care. Physical therapy and rehabilitation may be accelerated. This means patients leave the hospital earlier and have decreased hospital costs. Numerous studies have documented a high level of satisfaction with epidural infusions among physicians, patients, and nursing staff.

The anesthesiologist, accompanied by a pain nurse, visits patients with continuous epidurals each post- operative day while the catheter is in place and the pain medication is being administered. The anesthesiologist evaluates the effectiveness of the epidural, the dosage of the medication, physically examines the patient, and monitors for any adverse reactions to the pain medication or epidural, such as allergies, or changes in respiratory rate, blood pressure, and pulse.

As pain management specialists in the operating room, we are pleased to extend our expertise with the postoperative period as well. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions regarding our surgical pain management services.