EPIDURAL AND SPINAL CONSENT & ESTIMATION OF FEES
Hi. My name is Dr Neil Vanza and I will be the anaesthetist attending you (or your partner) at the Labour Ward or Operating Theatre today/tonight. Prior to my arrival I would like to provide you with some information.
Please read the information below and click "submit" once you have finished.
EPIDURAL & SPINAL ANAESTHESIA
Epidural Analgesia
- Used for pain relief in labour and/or Caesarean Section
- A very fine plastic catheter (tube) is placed in the epidural space
- Local anaesthetic “numbs” the nerves
- On average takes 15-30 minutes to insert and start working
Spinal Anaesthesia
- Used for Caesarean Section
- A single injection into the spinal fluid (no catheter)
- On average takes 5-10 minutes to insert and start working
SIDE EFFECTS OF EPIDURAL & SPINAL ANAESTHESIA
Common
- Nausea, vomiting, itching and shivering
- Drop in blood pressure causing dizziness
- Mild headache
- Pain, backache, bruising at the insertion site
- Failure to work (either partial or complete)
Less Common
- Severe headache – may require strong pain killers or a second epidural to treat if prolonged
- Temporary nerve damage
Uncommon/Rare Side-Effects
- Infection/abscess at the injection site. If severe can lead to paralysis
- Bleeding at the injection site. If severe can lead to paralysis
- Permanent nerve damage
- Meningitis
FEES
- The below are estimates of TOTAL fees (not inclusive of Medicare or health fund rebates)
- They are within the AMA (Australia Medical Association) gazetted rates
- An invoice will be posted to your address after the procedure
- An account that becomes overdue may have collection fees added and may be referred to a credit rating and collection agency
In Hours (Monday to Friday, 0800 to 2000hrs)
- Epidural: $1120.00
- Caesarean Section: $1650.00
After Hours (Monday to Friday 2000hrs to 0800hrs / Weekends / Public Holidays)
- Epidural: $1780.00
- Caesarean Section: $2150.00
