Ambulatory Procedure Center

Epidural/Caudal

What Is It?

An injection of a local anesthetic and/or cortisone is injected into the epidural space of the spine. This injection helps to decrease inflammation to the nerves in the spine, decrease pain and temporarily increase circulation to the extermities.

How Do I Prepare?

• Eat a light meal prior to your procedure.
• Shower thoroughly before coming in for your procedure.
• Discuss with your doctor what medications you should take.
• If you are taking medication to thin your blood (e.g., Coumadin, Warfarin, Plavix, or aspirin), you should check with your doctor about stopping these medications before this procedure.
• Medications that your doctor has instructed you to take can be taken with a small amount of water.
• Be sure to arrange transportation. Someone must stay with you at the hospital until discharge and drive you home. Transportation will be verified before the procedure. You may use a taxi cab for your transportation only if you have a person accompanying you other than the taxi cab driver. Your procedure may be cancelled if these arrangements are not made.

What Happens During the Procedure?

• Consent is signed.
• An injection is done.
• An ice pack will be applied to the injection site.
• The procedure takes about 20 minutes.
• Recovery time is one hour.