Regional and local anesthesia

Why go under?

Anesthesia techniques have improved by leaps and bounds in recent years. The current trend is to perform fewer and fewer procedures under general anesthesia and instead use the following techniques:

• Local blocks: anaesthetic injections at the operation site
• Regional blocks: anesthesia of peripheral nerves
• Spinal blocks and sometimes epidurals

Local anesthesia

Local anesthesia works on a specific part of the body, like at the dentist.

Advantages of local anesthesia:

• The patient is awake during the procedure.
• The procedure doesn’t require fasting.
• The patient returns home immediately after the procedure.

• Lower risk of side effects

• Fewer complications
• Faster recovery, no temporary paralysis

Regional anesthesia

• Regional anesthesia works on a region of the body. Patients aren’t put completely under.
• A peripheral nerve is “blocked” using an ultrasound-guided injection.
• The blocked limb is temporarily paralysed and does not feel pain for 12 to 18 hours.
• In rare cases, temporary paralysis can last up to two days.
• A sedative may be added to improve patient comfort.

Advantages of regional anesthesia:

• Return home the same day with an escort
• Lower risk of side effects
• Fewer complications
• Faster recovery