Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 2/25/2010

Question
This past June I had disk decompression surgery at L4-L5. I'm wondering if I will qualify for an epidural or if because of the scarring/previous surgery I wouldn't be able to?

Thanks!

Answer
No. We can still do it at a higher level but there is an increased possiblility that you may have a patchy block. This is due to adhesions that may form post-operatively. It is not a contraindication to have an epidural, just something to consider.

Ronald Levy, MD
Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston