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A R C H 2 0 2 1 • O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y . N E T • 2 3
Positive impact
on patients
If you're looking to bolster your
facility's use of regional anesthe-
sia and want to make the case to
clinical leaders, highlight the
many benefits it provides.
Peripheral nerve blocks allow
providers to forgo, or at least
lessen, the use of general anesthe-
sia. Plus, regional anesthesia pro-
vides targeted pain control and
has the potential to provide
patients with much-needed relief
during those critical initial days
following their procedures.
The data on the benefits of
regional anesthesia has been
long-standing. Medical literature
shows it can reduce patient mor-
bidity and mortality, especially
among individuals undergoing
orthopedic surgeries such as total
joint replacements.
Regional anesthesia can also
increase patient satisfaction, thanks to not only
improved pain control, but also quicker recoveries
and the ability to begin physical therapy sooner.
The latter is especially important.
Because regional anesthesia may be unfamiliar
to patients, make it a point to explain what is happen-
ing and why, and address their knowledge gaps well
in advance of surgery. Preparation for any process is
key. Walk patients through the different anesthesia
options available and explain your typical pain man-
agement protocols with a particular emphasis on
your use of regional, so they're comfortable with the
process and know what to expect.
Before you administer any nerve block, make
sure patients understand the risks, benefits and the
alternatives. You don't want patients showing up
on the day of surgery alarmed by the unexpected
or unknown — you want them to know your team
is prepared and has carefully planned their care
well in advance.
Break down the block placement process for
patients. Let them know you've selected the block
type and the titration of your anesthesia course
based on the procedure they're undergoing and
their specific clinical needs — with the goal of max-
imizing pain relief and minimizing complications.
For example, shoulder scope procedures typically
involve interscalene nerve blocks. Patients undergo-
ing ankle procedures can receive a combination of
adductor canal and popliteal nerve blocks. Each
chosen combination of injections is done to treat
expected pain targets at specific surgical sites.
Continued growth expected
Regional anesthesia isn't as prevalent as it should
be, but it's a rapidly growing field. Facilities that
aren't providing it now should consider doing so
because at some point soon it's likely to be the stan-
dard for any facility performing elective surgeries.
Granted, I'm lucky to be in an academic center
with cutting-edge care and state-of-the-art imag-
ing and ultrasound equipment at my fingertips.
BRIDGING THE GAPS Regional anesthesia may be unfamiliar to patients, so address their knowledge gaps well in
advance of the surgery.
Tom
Durick
