Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

Continuous spinal anesthesia

Continuous spinal anesthesia delivers local anesthetic agents directly into the cerebrospinal fluid via an indwelling catheter to produce prolonged regional anesthesia of the lower body and lower extremities.

Continuous spinal anesthesia delivers local anesthetic agents directly into the cerebrospinal fluid via an indwelling catheter to produce prolonged regional anesthesia of the lower body and lower extremities. Used for Surgical anesthesia for lower abdominal, pelvic, and lower extremity procedures, Postoperative pain management, Labor analgesia.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

This technique involves placement of a catheter into the subarachnoid space, allowing repeated or continuous infusion of local anesthetics (such as lidocaine, bupivacaine, or ropivacaine) to maintain anesthesia throughout a surgical procedure or postoperative period. The local anesthetic blocks nerve conduction in spinal nerve roots, producing sensory and motor blockade in the distribution of the spinal nerves. This approach extends the duration of anesthesia beyond single-injection spinal anesthesia and allows for dose titration.

Approved indications

• Surgical anesthesia for lower abdominal, pelvic, and lower extremity procedures
• Postoperative pain management
• Labor analgesia

Common side effects

• Hypotension
• Bradycardia
• Postdural puncture headache
• Urinary retention
• Nausea and vomiting
• Neurological complications (rare)

Key clinical trials

• Opioid Free and Opioid Based Anesthesia in Elective Lumbar Spine Surgery
• Failing Epidural Analgesia During Labor
• Comparison of Anesthetic Techniques for Early Recovery After Ankle Arthroscopy (NA)
• Postoperative Pain and Analgesic Use After Total Knee Arthroplasty
• Evaluation of the Efficacy of STNS With FAST and MULTIWAVE in Patients With Refractory Chronic Neuropathic Pain (NA)
• Continuous Erector Spinae Block for Analgesia Following Lumbar Decompression (NA)
• Spinal Anesthesia For Enhanced Recovery After Liver Surgery (NA)
• Patient Preference and Long-term Outcomes in Persistent Spinal Pain Syndrome: A Prospective Study Comparing Spinal Cord Stimulation to Intrathecal Drug Delivery. (PHASE4)

Primary sources

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