Blocking Out Surgery Pain: Anesthesia Nerve Blocking

Duke Raleigh Hospital patients undergoing surgery on their extremities are experiencing increased relief and comfort, thanks to anesthesia nerve blocks.

Nerve blocks selectively anesthetize the limbs to avoid the harsher medications of general anesthesia and afford patients increased comfort and decreased side effects such as nausea and related medical complications that can be associated with general anesthesia. “We’ve really seen a shift in the types of anesthesia and refinement of techniques that can give much longer-lasting pain relief to help patients recover more quickly – usually discharged home within an hour or two, without the need for admission,” said Dr. Don Edmondson, medical director of anesthesiology at Duke Raleigh Hospital.

How nerve blocks work

With the latest technology in nerve blocks, any patients undergoing extremity surgery including those with knee, shoulder, elbow or hand surgery can sleep through their procedure with milder sedatives, avoid the deep levels of unconsciousness from general anesthesia and experience enhanced pain relief after surgery. A nerve block functions by anesthetizing the sensory and motor nerve of the extremity. Blocks are started thirty minutes prior to the patient’s procedure by ultrasound guided technology in conjunction with moderate sedation while the patient is in the pre-operative area. Highly-trained Duke Raleigh Hospital nursing staff accredited in conscious sedation work closely with anesthesiologists to administer nerve blocks with minimal if any discomfort using a single small injection.

Benefits to the patient

Patients experience much less nausea and hangover sensation post operatively which results in a higher patient satisfaction, and patients can transition straight to the second phase of recovery without the need to visit the main recovery room. Patient turnover and operating room efficiency is additionally increased - the time associated with the induction of and emergence from general anesthesia is eliminated. While all types of anesthesia have become extremely safe, regional anesthesia can avoid complications often associated with elderly patients or patients with significant medical issues.

Highly specific pain management

For the most painful procedures such at total joint replacements, the benefits of analgesia from the nerve block can be continued for several days if desired by placing a very small catheter. This is done at the time of the initial block through the same injection, and the duration and intensity of the block can be tailored to meet the individual need of the patient and surgeon.