Regional Anesthesia

Of all regional anesthetic techniques, spinal anesthesia is the one most frequently used by anesthesiologists. Lumbar or subarachnoid anesthesia are other names for this nerve-blocking procedure performed close to the spine.

Epidural Anesthesia is frequently used and represents the administration of a local anesthetic solution into the so-called epidural space.

The Combined Spinal-Epidural (CSE) Technique can reduce or eliminate some of the disadvantages of spinal and epidural anesthesia while preserving their advantages.

Blockade of the peripheral nerves with local anesthetics can provide superior anesthesia of the upper and lower extremities. Correctly performed, peripheral nerve blocks offer excellent regional anesthesia and muscle relaxation for surgery and a method for long-term postoperative analgesia with minimal interference with the patient´s vital functions. The extent and duration of the block can be tailored to meet the needs required by the type of surgery and the patient´s condition, by selecting 1. the site of injection, 2. the local anesthetic (LA), and, 3. the use of either a single shot or a continuous technique. Besides skill and experience adequate injection equipment and local anesthetics form the basis for an atraumatic and successful peripheral nerve block.