Epidural Needle Size report

An epidural needle is a medical needle used in non-surgical procedures to inject anesthetics or drugs into the spine's epidural space. The spinal epidural space is located between the vertebrae and the dura mater. Epidural injections can provide excellent, effective analgesia during and after surgery, but the injection process can be daunting.

The idea of ​​placing an epidural needle in the back near the spinal cord has led many people to abandon ​​using an epidural during labor. An epidural needle is similar to a hypodermic needle in that it has a hollow core. However, the tip of a hypodermic needle is straight and sharp, while the tip of an epidural needle is curved, blunt, and slightly flared.

Should people be afraid of epidural needles? Maybe if we can demystify this injection process, more people will be able to accept this great pain relief. This post will answer the commonly asked questions, such as why an epidural needle is so long and the typical size of the needle.

Epidural Needle Size Guide

Each type of needle can be attached to a plastic or glass syringe with cubic centimeter (cc) volume markings. In contrast, epidural needles have length markings every 0.40 inch (1 cm) on the needle itself to show its penetration depth clearly. The size of the epidural needle depends on the diameter of the needle lumen or inner tube.

Epidural Needle Length

In terms of length, epidural needles are usually about 3 inches (8 cm) to about 5 inches (12.7 cm). An epidural needle must be long enough to reach the epidural space from the lumbar region of a patient's back. The common epidural needle for pregnant women is approximately 8 cm. If a patient is obese, a longer epidural needle may be required to access the space.

Epidural Needle Gauge

Epidural needle sizes refer to the thickness and are related to the gauge of the epidural needle. A higher gauge equates to a thinner needle. The 18G or 16G epidural needles are commonly used in adults. This variation in the epidural needle size and length allows the needle to locate the epidural space, where the pain relief needs to be given, in the spinal canal from the patient's back.

Common Epidural Needle Sizes

Conclusion

Epidural injections are often used to relieve pain or back pain during labor. Pain control occurs when the drug reaches the nerve root in the epidural space and blocks the nerve root with a dispersed anesthetic. Performing epidural injections requires skill and knowledge of spinal anatomy to reach the necessary injection site without damaging the spinal cord. The epidural needle must be inserted into the hole next to the nerve root for anesthesia without accidentally piercing the dura, which can cause serious complications.