What is Regional Nerve Block and How is It Applied?

Regional nerve block is a type of anesthesia that occurs by injecting a high concentration of anesthetic drug next to the nerve trunk that innervates the area to be operated on. Regional nerve block is generally preferred in operations performed on the arms and legs. Numbness and immobility are achieved in the area where the drug is administered. During regional anesthesia, the patient is awake, but they cannot see the surgical area because it is separated by a cover. Generally, patients are given sedatives intravenously to create a mild drowsiness called 'sedation'. The state of numbness and immobility is not permanent. When the effect of the drugs expires, all functions return to normal. Applied for pain relief, it provides a pain-free period for up to 24 hours after surgery.

For this reason, patients' satisfaction and comfort in the service is increased. Regional nerve blocks and regional anesthesia are also applied effectively and safely in pediatric patients. Regional nerve blocks are divided into peripheral and central blocks. Peripheral block: It is applied by administering a local anesthetic drug near the large nerves in the periphery. It is the most preferred anesthesia method in day treatment. Maxillary, mandibular nerve blocks, etc. applied in dental surgery. Interscalene and axillary block applications are among the applications applied for upper extremity and shoulder surgery. Complications are rare in peripheral nerve blocks. Central block: The application of anesthetic drugs on the spinal cord or the roots coming from the spinal cord is called central block. An important clinical advantage is that the patient is rendered numb in a certain body area without losing consciousness and respiratory functions are not affected.