The time taken to perform the CSE will be recorded from the moment the skin is sterilised to the moment the epidural catheter has been fixed to the skin. A record of the number of attempts and number of times bone is encountered by the needle will be recorded. If patients in the palpation group require ultrasound assistance to locate the epidural space this will also be recorded. Drugs administered both systemically and intrathecally or epidurally will be documented. Patients will be assessed immediately after insertion of the CSE with regard to comfort during the procedure and and pain experienced. They shall also be reassessed 30 minutes postoperatively to ascertain their overall satisfaction of the technique for the surgery, to ensure no pain was experienced during the operation. They should also be visited on the first postoperative day, specifically to look for any complications of the CSE such as headache or neuropraxia, and should receive a final check prior to discharge at 5 days to ensure no adverse events have occurred.