Epidural risk lower than thought
The risk of epidurals and spinal anaesthetics to expectant mothers and patients undergoing surgery may be being overstated, a study suggests.
Researchers at Bath’s Royal United Hospital analysed the complications from the 700,000 pain-killing injections given each year.
They found the risk of harm was at least as low as one in 23,000 - 10 times less than tends to be estimated.
Experts said it was important patients were told about the true risk.
Both procedures are injections given into the small of the back which go between the vertebrae and into the coverings that surround the spinal cord.
Continue reading - BBC News/Health
Posted by InternetHealthClub
on Jan 11th, 2009 and is filed under General Health, Surgery.
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