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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 August 2022
Regional anaesthesia is the use of local anaesthetic drugs to block sensations of pain from a large area of the body. It is used to allow surgery to proceed either without general anaesthesia or combined with general anaesthesia to provide superior pain relief than can be achieved with analgesic drugs alone. It is broadly divided into two categories. Neuraxial blocks involve injection of local anaesthetic close to the spinal cord, such as in the subarachnoid (intrathecal) space (known as a spinal) or in the epidural space (known as an epidural). Peripheral nerve blocks involve injection of local anaesthetic near peripheral nerves or plexuses. This can be performed either using landmark technique, a nerve stimulator, or with ultrasound guidance depending on the chosen block. Common equipment and techniques used to perform regional anaesthesia are discussed in this chapter, as well as advantages, potential risks, and the patient preparation and monitoring that is required.
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