What are the chances of epidural failure?

Low: Epidural anesthesia is used for a wide variety of procedures: labor and delivery, steroid relief of neurological symptoms, as a diagnostic aid, and for comfort during many different kinds of general surgery. Rarely does an initial placement of anesthesia require a re-placement. But, it does sometimes. Your provider will want to assure your comfort before proceeding. Not to worry!

Great Question: Depends what you mean by "failure". If failure means not getting the hope for pain relief it depends on many factors including skill and clinical judgment of physician performing injection(s). Patients with newer onset low back pain with radiating symptoms known as sciatica usually do best. If you have had the same pain for many years it is unlikely you will get long term relief from an epidural.

Hard to say: If done for the right reasons it should help. How much and how long is people dependent. Some people get days to weeks or relief and others get a few months or longer of relief.