I had an epidural done when I had my partial hysterectomy, back in 2005. It was the first time, when I had my son, it was au-naturale and when I had my tubes tied, it was with anesthesia. I liked the epidural, I was not as groggy, although they did also give me something so that I was not awake.
As mentioned the doctor gave me the epidural. Then, a nurse or intern gave me the drug to go to sleep. When I woke in the recovery room, I was able to go to my room, when my toes wiggled. LOL I thought I got them to move a few times, they felt like it!...but it was still much quicker than with the anestethic.