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A N E S T H E S I A
block can control the incisional pain resulting from open or laparoscopic hernia or gall bladder cases, it doesn't address the visceral
pain.
Some patient conditions demand caution when considering the use
of nerve blocks. While regional anesthesia presents a low risk of
nerve injury, the risk is increased for patients who have previously
suffered nerve injuries at the site. Additionally, it may be advisable for
cardiovascular and stroke-risk patients to refrain from taking anticoagulant medications in the week before surgery. Because you're working millimeters from major arteries when you place blocks, the risk of
bleeding at the stick site could be a concern.
The benefits of blocks
Regional anesthesia plays a dual role as surgical anesthesia and post-op analgesic. A singleshot peripheral nerve block is highly effective
through the procedure and up to 8 to 24 hours
afterward. When a patient wakes without
pain, PACU nurses won't have to play catchup to control it, and a continuous infusion
"pain pump" can extend the relief for days
after discharge.
As an additional benefit, nerve blocks' pain
management effects sidestep the complica5 8
O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | N O V E M B E R 2012
