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Beacon Hospital Sandyford, Dublin 18 D18 AK68Tel: 01 293 6600www.beaconhospital.ieTHIS IS MODERN MEDICINENotesFACET BLOCKPATIENT INFORMATION
The facets are small joints in your spine which can be a source of pain. A facet block is a method of introducing local anaesthetic and/or steroids into the area surrounding these joints. This can result in pain relief and reduction of inflammation in the area. A facet block may be performed anywhere along the length of the spine.What Should I Do Before the Procedure?You need to fast (no food or drink) for 6 hours before the procedure. Essential medications may be taken with a sip of water. If you are diabetic please ask your doctor about fasting for a procedure. You may need specific advice regarding your medications. If you are on any anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as aspirin, warfarin or Xarelto, tell your doctor as these may need to be stopped for a few days.What Will Happen When I Come To Hospital?A facet block is usually carried out as a day case procedure. You will be admitted to the Day Unit and discharged on the same day. The nurse/doctor will ask you for details of your medical history. You should also bring a list of your medications.The procedure is carried out in the Theatre department. What is a Facet Block? You will be given a hospital gown to wear. An IV cannula will be placed in your hand or arm prior to the procedure and you may receive some sedation in theatre through this before the procedure starts. An Anaesthetist will monitor you at all times during the procedure if you receive sedation. The doctor will inject some local anaesthetic at your back which makes your skin numb. The doctor will then perform the epidural injection. You may feel some pressure or pushing at the injection site. Are There Any Side Eects?As with any procedure, there is a small risk of side eects. Your doctor will explain any specific risks associated with your procedure, and ask you to sign a consent form. If you do not understand anything explained to you, please feel free to ask for further information. The injection may cause a small amount of bruising or bleeding in the area, which settles in a few days. You may experience some numbness or weakness in your limbs for a few hours. This is normal and usually mild. There is a very small risk of spinal headache after this procedure. This is rare. If you develop a severe headache following your procedure, it is important to stay hydrated and rest. If you have a headache for more than 24 hours, you should contact your pain consultant.What Will Happen After the Procedure?Some patients notice relief of pain within an hour of the procedure. For other patients it may take up to 48 hours before you notice any eect. In the meantime, you should stay on your usual painkillers. The area of injection may be sore for a few days. Taking your usual painkillers and applying ice to the area is helpful.It is important to rest following the procedure. You can return to your normal routine after 48 hours. You must be collected by a responsible adult following the procedure. You should not drive for at least 24 hours following the procedure. If required, you will be reviewed in your doctor’s clinic 2 – 4 weeks following your procedure.FACET BLOCKPATIENT INFORMATION
The facets are small joints in your spine which can be a source of pain. A facet block is a method of introducing local anaesthetic and/or steroids into the area surrounding these joints. This can result in pain relief and reduction of inflammation in the area. A facet block may be performed anywhere along the length of the spine.What Should I Do Before the Procedure?You need to fast (no food or drink) for 6 hours before the procedure. Essential medications may be taken with a sip of water. If you are diabetic please ask your doctor about fasting for a procedure. You may need specific advice regarding your medications. If you are on any anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as aspirin, warfarin or Xarelto, tell your doctor as these may need to be stopped for a few days.What Will Happen When I Come To Hospital?A facet block is usually carried out as a day case procedure. You will be admitted to the Day Unit and discharged on the same day. The nurse/doctor will ask you for details of your medical history. You should also bring a list of your medications.The procedure is carried out in the Theatre department. What is a Facet Block? You will be given a hospital gown to wear. An IV cannula will be placed in your hand or arm prior to the procedure and you may receive some sedation in theatre through this before the procedure starts. An Anaesthetist will monitor you at all times during the procedure if you receive sedation. The doctor will inject some local anaesthetic at your back which makes your skin numb. The doctor will then perform the epidural injection. You may feel some pressure or pushing at the injection site. Are There Any Side Eects?As with any procedure, there is a small risk of side eects. Your doctor will explain any specific risks associated with your procedure, and ask you to sign a consent form. If you do not understand anything explained to you, please feel free to ask for further information. The injection may cause a small amount of bruising or bleeding in the area, which settles in a few days. You may experience some numbness or weakness in your limbs for a few hours. This is normal and usually mild. There is a very small risk of spinal headache after this procedure. This is rare. If you develop a severe headache following your procedure, it is important to stay hydrated and rest. If you have a headache for more than 24 hours, you should contact your pain consultant.What Will Happen After the Procedure?Some patients notice relief of pain within an hour of the procedure. For other patients it may take up to 48 hours before you notice any eect. In the meantime, you should stay on your usual painkillers. The area of injection may be sore for a few days. Taking your usual painkillers and applying ice to the area is helpful.It is important to rest following the procedure. You can return to your normal routine after 48 hours. You must be collected by a responsible adult following the procedure. You should not drive for at least 24 hours following the procedure. If required, you will be reviewed in your doctor’s clinic 2 – 4 weeks following your procedure.FACET BLOCKPATIENT INFORMATION
Are There Any Side Eects?The majority of patients receive IV contrast without any problems. Although it is unlikely you will experience any of the side-eects listed below, itis important that you are aware of them.Immediate Side-Eects:The injection site can be a little tender or itchy for the day. This usually settles down a few hours after the injection has been removed. INTRAVENOUS(IV) CONTRASTPATIENT INFORMATION If you experience any warm sensation or swelling at the injection site, please let us know or contact your GP. A very small percentage of patients may develop a delayed reaction where a rash can develop hours, or even days, after their scan. Though the majority are mild, a more severe rash may require medication. If you are unsure, please call us or your GP.Mild Reactions:Nausea and vomiting: This should settle downquickly. Ensure to drink plenty of water and takean anti-emetic such as motilium.Headache, flushing, itching, mild skin rash or hives can also occur. These are all temporary and should settle in a day or two. If you experience any of these, contact us or your GP immediately.Moderate Reactions:Severe skin rashes or hives, wheezing, abnormalheart rhythms, high or low blood pressure, shortness of breath or diculty breathing. If you experience any of these, contact us or your GP immediately. Severe Reactions:Diculty breathing, cardiac arrest, swelling of the throat or other parts of the body, convulsions, or very low blood pressure. Seek immediate medical help if you experience any of these. A radiation therapist will administer the contrast using a pump. You may experience a warm sensation flowing through your body for a few seconds as the contrast travels through. Some people experience a metallic taste in their mouth/throat. Others get a sensation as though they are going to the toilet (urinating), though they are not. It is a sensation which passes in a matter of seconds. You should not experience any pain or soreness. If you do, tell your radiation therapist and they will stop administering the contrast immediately. At the end of your appointment, your radiation therapist will remove the injection needle and check for any irritation before you leave. What Happens When I Am HavingThe Contrast Injected?What Is IV Contrast Used For?Intravenous contrast or IV contrast is a substance which, when injected, helps to show areas of the body more clearly on scans. IV contrast may be used during your CT planning appointment to help create your treatment plan. What Is Involved?Upon your arrival you will be asked to fill out an IV contrast questionnaire. This is to make sure you are suitable for the injection and inform you of any possible side-eects. You will also need to have a blood test to ensure your body can tolerate the contrast.Do not worry if you cannot have the contrast, it will not negatively impact your treatment or outcome.
Beacon Hospital Sandyford, Dublin 18 D18 AK68Tel: 01 293 6600www.beaconhospital.ieTHIS IS MODERN MEDICINENotesFACET BLOCKPATIENT INFORMATION
Beacon Hospital Sandyford, Dublin 18 D18 AK68Tel: 01 293 6600www.beaconhospital.ieTHIS IS MODERN MEDICINENotesFACET BLOCKPATIENT INFORMATION