Many patients are concerned about the amount of pain they anticipate after the operation. However, many steps are taken to minimize post-operative discomfort. Often, an epidural catheter is used for pain control. This is a catheter placed into the small of the back through which pain medication is infused. An epidural catheter provides excellent pain relief for the first few days after the operation. Once the catheter is removed, pain pills are prescribed to limit the discomfort. Patients are likely to continue pain medication every day for four to six weeks following surgery.