Why is this procedure done?
Regional anesthesia is used to block only a part of the body. This is done by using a drug to block only one group of nerves, which control pain, movement, and feeling in a certain body part. This procedure is done because: ‚
- There is better pain control
- Less side effects than other pain drugs
- Easier to go to physical therapy
- Better breathing because of better pain control
Doctors often choose regional anesthesia because the patient: ‚
- Cannot handle stronger types of anesthesia
- Has lungs that are not very strong
- Has an airway problem
- Has too many other health problems for general anesthesia
- Can be awake for the procedure
- Is having a minor surgery
Some common regional anesthesia procedures include spinal or epidural anesthesia. There can be a variety of levels of sleepiness during regional anesthesia. With less sedation you will feel relaxed and you may be awake. You can understand and follow directions. ‚
With more sedation, you will feel drowsy and may even sleep through much of the surgery. You will wake up when spoken to but may not remember it after the surgery is over. ‚
What will the results be?
You will not have pain and will be relaxed while doctors operate on you. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history and do an exam.
- Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or x-rays before the surgery.
- Your doctor may give you drugs to make you calm.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- You will go to the operating room.
- You will lie on a table, sit in a chair, or be asked to be in a special position based on the kind of surgery you are having.
- The area where the surgery is will be cleaned.
- The doctor may feel for the nerve, and might use an ultrasound or nerve stimulator to make it easier to find the nerve.
- The doctor will put a needle with a syringe filled with the numbing drug near the nerve and inject the drug into the area.
- The needle will come out and the area will be covered with a clean bandage.
- The operation will start. Let the doctor know if you feel any pain.
- You may be given more numbing drug if you are feeling pain, or if the surgery takes a long time.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room after surgery and be monitored closely.
- You will be taken to a hospital room or sent home, based on what kind of surgery you had.
- You may feel some pain, most often 4 to 24 hours after surgery.
- Sometimes, you will go home with a tube in place for 3 or 4 days. You will have some drug running through it for pain control.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- You may get drugs for pain.
- Drink lots of water and liquids.
- You might be tired for a day or two. Be sure to get lots of rest.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor will tell you if other tests are needed.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Do not drive or run heavy machinery for 48 hours after getting anesthesia.
- Do not use the body part until you have feeling back in that area.
What problems could happen?
- Bad reaction to the anesthetic
- May not have full muscle control after the surgery
- Might not be able to walk right after surgery
- Nerve injury
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher or chills; redness, swelling, or pus from the site where the anesthesia was given
- Dizziness, fast heartbeat, funny taste or numbness in your mouth
- Headache
- Numbness does not go away
- Cough, chest pain, or trouble breathing
- Bleeding
Where can I learn more?
American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine ‚
http://www.asra.com/patient-info.php ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚