another practice issue

i have been wanting to do more regional. the question is. how many use regional block for post op pain in conjuction with GA. an example. interscalene for shoulder surgery,

or axillary block for extremity surgery.

or do you prefer to use the block for the surgery combined with propofol/sedation etc.

i just think that regional is a good skill to learn and keep. it offers more options and can be beneficial.

ideas??? opinions???

d

We do a lot of regional where I work. Its great for postoperative pain, if the surgery is short and you're doing asingle shot block that is. We do a lot of epidurals and spinals too. In addition, it's becoming very popular to do catheters with many of these regional blocks....they are awesome for postoperative pain. We always do our blocks prior to anesthesia even if the patient will have a GA because it will also help you during surgery, the patient doesn't feel as much, your narcotic need is lower, wake ups are faster, patient is happier.....