What Will Happen?
- You will be admitted to the day surgery by a nurse and you will be asked to change into a gown.
- The anaesthetist will speak with you and place a cannula (plastic needle) into a vein in your hand.
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In the procedure room, you will be assisted to position on the
procedure table on your abdomen with a pillow under your hips and
abdomen.
- The anaesthetist will give you some sedation into your vein.
- An X-ray machine will be used to determine where the doctor will place the needle for your procedure. The procedure will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
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Kenacort and local anaesthetic will be injected once correct
placement has been established with the use of the X-ray machine and
contrast (Omnipaque).
- After the procedure, you will be placed on a trolley and taken to recovery, where you will remain for approximately 1 hour.
- After having something to eat and drink, you will be discharged with a carer.
Post Procedure
- Gentle activity and rest is recommended for the first 24 hours following the procedure. You may then return to normal activity.
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The local anaesthetic will wear off 12 – 18 hours following your
procedure and the steroid will take 48 hours to start working. During this time there may be a window of increased discomfort or pain.
- Occasionally, you may feel some leg heaviness or weakness. This is related to the spread of the local anaesthetic. Should this occur, it is advisable you stay at the day surgery until sensation and power returns.
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A nurse from the Hunter Pain Clinic will telephone you 24 to 48
hours following your procedure to check on your progress and to organise
a follow-up appointment.
- You may obtain between 1 - 6 months of pain relief following your procedure.
If you require further explanation of the procedure, please contact Hunter Pain Clinic nursing staff on (02) 4985 1800.