Epidural medication has sometimes been administered at the conclusion of an operation as a single dose, in the form of a spray1 2 3, paste 4, or been sponged onto the exposed epidural space.5 Agents used in this manner have included morphine, tramadol, buprenorphine and methylprednisolone. In one such study Bourke6 found that a single dose of epidural morphine 3 mg reduced pain scores and analgesic requirements for 24 hours when compared to the same dose given intramuscularly, suggesting that direct epidural administration is superior to parenteral administration.