What Are the Dangers of Epidurals for Hernia Surgery?
If you have a hernia, then part of one of your organs is pushing through a weak point in the muscular wall meant to hold it in place. If you undergo surgery to repair it, you could receive an epidural.
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Hernia Surgery
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During hernia surgery, your doctor will locate the hernia and either move the bulging tissue back into place or remove it. She will then use strong stitches or mesh to repair the weak portion of your muscular wall.
Epidural
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You could receive your anesthesia through an epidural during your hernia surgery. Your doctor will inject medication just outside the sac of fluid that surrounds your spinal cord, which will block sensation in the lower portion of your body.
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Immediate Dangers
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Immediate dangers of epidurals for hernia surgery include the risk that you will experience an allergic reaction to anesthesia, your blood pressure could drop dangerously low or you could experience nerve damage.
Later Dangers
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Other dangers can develop after you have had an epidural. You could get an infection in your spine. You might also have trouble urinating after hernia surgery. Rarely, a patient will experience seizures after having an epidural administered.
Considerations
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Epidurals offer some advantages over general anesthesia, like fewer side effects and a faster recovery.
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