Epidural Blood Patch Overview

An epidural blood patch is when a small amount of blood is used to seal a puncture site in the spine as a result of a spinal tap procedure . The patch restores normal pressure in the spinal fluid.

Lumbar Puncture Method © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Prior to Procedure

• Your doctor will do a thorough physical exam and explain the risks and benefits of the procedure.

• Discuss all allergies with your doctor.

• You will need to sign a consent form.

• Arrange for a ride home.

• You will be asked to stop eating and drinking for 2-6 hours before the procedure.

• If possible, you will be asked to stop taking aspirin , anti-inflammatory medicines, certain supplements (eg, vitamin E ), and blood-thinning medicines for up to 10 days before the procedure. Discuss stopping these medicines with your doctor.

• You may be asked to avoid certain herbal supplements prior to the procedure, such as fish oil .

• Take your other medicines as usual.

Anesthesia

Local anesthesia will be used at the puncture site, so you should not feel any pain during the procedure.

Description of the Procedure

In the operating room, two IVs (needles) will be inserted in your arms for medicines and fluids and drawing blood. You may be given a sedative to ease anxiety.

You will lie face down on the table. The doctor will wash and sanitize your back. An x-ray machine will help the doctor guide a small needle to the area where spinal fluid is leaking. Contrast dye solution will be injected and more x-rays will be taken. The doctor will draw a small amount of your blood and inject it into the correct area of the spine. This should clot, or seal, the leakage.

How Long Will It Take?

About 30 minutes

How Much Will It Hurt?

You will remain awake and be asked to lie still during the procedure. Local anesthesia injected should block any pain. You may feel a slight pressure during the procedure.

Average Hospital Stay

After resting, you may be able to go home the same day.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

• You will be taken to a recovery room for a few hours.

• You will be asked to lie flat and still.

• You will be monitored and given IV fluids.

• After a few hours, you will be asked to get up and move around slowly.

At Home

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

• Continue bed rest and gradual gentle movement for the first 24 hours.
• For 2-3 days, avoid sudden movements, lifting, or strenuous physical activity.
• Drink plenty of fluids. You may eat a normal diet.
• Return to your activities as tolerated.
• Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions .

RESOURCES:

The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org/

American Family Physician
http://www.aafp.org/

International Anesthesia Research Society
http://www.anesthesia-analgesia.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Anesthesiologists’ Society
http://www.cas.ca/

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Canada
http://www.sogc.org/index_e.asp

References:

Krovvidi H, Hasan M. Epidural blood patch. CPD Anaesthesia. 2003;5(2):94-97.

Newton Wellesley Hospital. Epidural blood patch. Newton Wellesley Hospital website. Available at: http://www.nwh.org/clinical-centers/pain-management-service/services-provided/epidural-blood-patch/ . Accessed June 17, 2010.

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Epidural blood patch. University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health website. Available at: http://www.uwhealth.org/healthfacts/BEXTRANETHEALTHINFORMATION-FlexMember-ShowPublicHFFY1105110029981.html . Accessed June 17, 2010.