What Happens After the Procedure?
Once the port is placed, it will be accessed with a special needle
and connected to an external infusion pump containing the epidural
medications. We will assess that the port is functioning correctly by
observing for signs of pain relief from the medications, as well as
development of numbness from the local anesthetic. You will be
monitored for 20 to 40 minutes by a Recovery Room nurse and a Pain
Management physician.
If there are no signs of problems, you will be ready to leave the
recovery area and be transferred to your room in the Ambulatory
Treatment Unit for observation overnight. You will be monitored for
correct functioning of the newly placed epidural port, as well as for
any complications related to the procedure and the anesthesia. If
there are no signs of problems, you will be ready to leave by the next day.
A home nursing agency will be required to provide care for your
epidural port. The medication cassette will need to be changed daily.
The dressing, needle, and the infusion tubing will need to be changed
every three days by a home visiting nurse. The visiting nurse will
also monitor for any signs of infection.
Your port will be dosed with medications on either an intermittent
or continuous basis based on the determination of the Pain Management physician.
Postprocedure instructions
Prior to leaving the hospital, the incision areas will be dressed
with a dry sterile dressing, which is clear. You will be see directly
through the dressing and can watch for any signs of infection. The
visiting nurses will change the access needle and tubing for the
infusion pump every three days. They will also monitor to make sure
the wounds are healing appropriately.