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R E G I O N A L
A N E S T H E S I A
6. Guard against infections, leaks and accidental pulls
Although rare, infections related to CPNBs can lead to serious consequences. We wear sterile gloves for all CPNBs, use a skin antiseptic
and create a sterile field with towels or drapes. Place ultrasound
2. Patient outcomes. With
CPNBs, there's little or no pain
with practically no side effects.
When patients have less pain
they tend to be up and about
sooner, and the risk of DVT is
lowered, says Dr. Urmey
3. Cost savings. In a study
reported in 2006, Dr. Richman
estimated a $10.12 savings per patient because fewer interventions are required
to treat intra-operative and post-operative side effects such as nausea and vomiting (Anesth Analg 2006;102:248-257).
4. OR team satisfaction. "I quickly discovered giving an injection and having a
patient wake up pain-free was very satisfying to me as an anesthesiologist," says
Dr. Richman. "That drove my interest in trying to expand on the types of blocks I
could do." For Dr. Urmey, regional anesthesia is now almost second nature: "99%
of surgeries I'm involved in are regional anesthesia."
5. Flexibility. With CPNBs, you can adjust the dosage, even stop it post-op to
"ensure the nerves are OK and then restart it for pain control," says Dr. Urmey.
"We have done that in certain circumstances to ensure a patient recovers motor
function and for patients who might be especially anxious or are afraid of waking
up with a numb limb." There are many types of blocks for all types of surgeries.
"We do femoral, sciatic, axillary, interscalene, infraclavicular, supraclavicular, par— Gail O. Guterl
avertebral and popliteal," says Dr. Richman.
O C T O B E R 2013 | 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
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