What does PCEA mean in UNCLASSIFIED

Patient Controlled Epidural Anesthesia (PCEA) is a form of regional anesthesia where an epidural catheter is placed in the epidural space around the spinal cord. A computer-controlled pump delivers anesthetic medications to provide long-lasting pain relief with minimal side effects.

The catheter that carries the medications is inserted into the epidural space near the spinal cord and attached to a computer-controlled pump which allows you to adjust your dosage as needed. Medications delivered through this system target specific areas so most levels of sedation or paralysis are avoided.

Yes, PCEA has been proven to be safe when used under appropriate supervision and administration by trained professionals. It does not cause cardiac or respiratory depression like traditional general anesthesia can and decreases opioid consumption which leads to fewer side affects from pain medication such as nausea or vomiting.

PCEA can be used for various types of surgeries, labor/delivery in childbirth, chronic pain management programs and other medical treatments that require analgesia such as endoscopic procedures.

The onset time depends on the type and amount of medication being used but usually starts within 10 minutes after injection into the epidural space and lasts several hours depending on individual needs.