A procedure in which an anesthetic medication is delivered near a nerve under ultrasound guidance to temporarily numb a specific region of the body. It is used as an alternative to or in conjunction with general anesthesia.
Indication
- Brachial plexus block for upper-extremity surgery (shoulder, arm, hand)
- Femoral or popliteal nerve block for lower-extremity surgery
- Alternative anesthesia method in patients at high risk for general anesthesia
- Long-duration postoperative pain control
- Diagnostic or therapeutic nerve block in chronic pain management
- Spinal/epidural block for labor analgesia and cesarean section
Preparation
- Solid food is stopped 6-8 hours before the procedure and clear liquids 2 hours before
- Blood thinners (warfarin, clopidogrel, direct oral anticoagulants) are managed by the anesthesiologist on a planned schedule
- The application area is checked to be free of infection, open wounds or significant nerve injury
- Complete blood count and coagulation tests are reviewed before the procedure
How it's performed
- The patient's blood pressure, heart rhythm and oxygen level are continuously monitored
- An IV line is placed and mild sedation is given if needed
- The anesthesiologist visualizes the nerve structures using ultrasound
- The skin is sterilized and the anesthetic is delivered close to the nerve through a fine needle
- Block onset takes 10-30 minutes; effective spread is verified
- During surgery the patient is awake or lightly sedated and feels no pain
Post-procedure
- Block resolution takes 4-24 hours; the numb area is protected during this time
- Hot surfaces and trauma are avoided until sensation returns
- In patients with continuous-catheter blocks, the catheter site is monitored
- Pain intensity, mobility and sensory recovery are evaluated
- Possible late complications (such as nerve irritation) are reviewed at follow-up visits
Risks
- Temporary numbness or muscle weakness in the area
- Nerve injury and prolonged sensory loss (rare)
- Local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST) — may affect the heart and nervous system
- Hematoma and infection at the injection site
- Inadequate block requiring conversion to general anesthesia
FAQ
Will I be awake during regional anesthesia?
Usually you will be awake but comfortable with light sedation. Deeper sedation can be added on request.
How long does the block last?
Depending on the medication and technique, it lasts 4-24 hours. For long-term pain control, continuous infusion via catheter is possible.
Can nerve damage be permanent?
Serious nerve injury is very rare. Temporary numbness and tingling resolve within weeks; ultrasound guidance further reduces this risk.
Is it safer than general anesthesia?
It is advantageous in specific patient groups (elderly, lung disease) but every method has its own risks; the anesthesiologist makes the final decision.
Related Information
Related Medical Services
Other services in the same specialty or with similar indications you may want to explore.
Spinal anesthesia
Anesthesiology & Reanimation
Spinal anesthesia — a regional anesthesia technique applied through the lower back to numb the lower half of the body.
Epidural Anesthesia
Anesthesiology & Reanimation
Epidural anesthesia — placement of a catheter into the epidural space in the lower back to provide long-lasting pain control.
Patient-Controlled Analgesia
Anesthesiology & Reanimation
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) — a safe system in which the patient determines their own pain medication dose.
Epidural Anesthesia for Vaginal Delivery
Anesthesiology & Reanimation
Epidural anesthesia — pain management administered at the L3-L4 level for vaginal delivery.
Postoperative pain management
Anesthesiology & Reanimation
Postoperative pain management — multimodal analgesia for a comfortable recovery process.
General Anesthesia
Anesthesiology & Reanimation
General anesthesia — an anesthetic method in which consciousness and pain sensation are completely eliminated for surgical procedures.
Sedation
Anesthesiology & Reanimation
Conscious sedation — an anesthesia method using calming and pain-relieving medications without complete loss of consciousness.
Local Anesthesia
Anesthesiology & Reanimation
Local anesthesia — a superficial anesthesia method in which only a small area of skin where the procedure will be performed is numbed.