🧠 Understanding Peripheral Nerve Blocks (Regional Anesthesia)

Peripheral nerve blockade, also known as a nerve block or regional anesthesia, is a technique used to block pain in a specific area of the body—such as an arm, leg, or part of the abdomen—by numbing the nerves in that area. Unlike general anesthesia, which affects the entire body, a nerve block focuses only on the area where the surgery is taking place.

When Is It Used?

Peripheral nerve blocks are commonly used for:

• Orthopedic surgeries (shoulder, knee, hip, arm, etc.)

• Some general and urologic surgeries

• Postoperative pain control, even after surgery is over

Your anesthesia team chooses which nerves to block based on the location of your surgery.

How It Works

• A local anesthetic is injected near the targeted nerve or group of nerves.

• In some cases, a tiny catheter may be placed to deliver medication over time for ongoing pain relief.

• Your Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) may use tools like ultrasound or nerve stimulation to precisely guide the injection.

Benefits of a Nerve Block

• Targeted pain relief in the surgical area

• Reduced need for opioid medications, lowering the risk of side effects like nausea, constipation, or drowsiness

• Faster recovery and less grogginess compared to general anesthesia

• May provide long-lasting pain control even after surgery

⚠️ Potential Risks and Complications

While nerve blocks are generally safe and well-tolerated, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks:

• Infection at the injection site

• Bleeding or bruising

• Nerve injury, which is usually temporary but can rarely be long-lasting

• Toxic reaction to the anesthetic, if it spreads into the bloodstream

• Inadequate pain relief (the block may not fully take effect in some cases)

Your CRNA will take every precaution to reduce these risks, including using imaging guidance and monitoring you closely throughout the procedure.