Bedside Point-of-Care Ultrasonography in Anesthesiology and Pain Management: A New Trend in Iran: A Narrative Review

Abstract

: Since the emergence of ultrasonography, many specialists, including anesthesiologists, have become interested in its practices. Technological innovations in portable ultrasonography devices and their quality enable anesthesiologists to use ultrasonography in various medical conditions and improve their diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. This article clarifies the significance of point-of-care ultra-sonography (POCUS) and highlights the challenges ahead. POCUS can help regional anesthesiologists and pain physicians in vascular access, airway management, focused cardiac ultra-sound (FoCUS), lung ultrasound, gastric ultrasound, focus assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST), regional and neuraxial nerve blocks, and acute and chronic pain management. However, similar to any new clinical method, there are challenges to POCUS, especially in developing countries like Iran. These challenges include the need for more budget allocation for medical equipment and portable devices, developing a comprehensive local curriculum and transparent framework to train residents and postgraduates, creating and/or revising university policies, clinical coordination with healthcare networks, and collaboration with healthcare providers. This article expresses the importance and effectiveness of point-of-care sonography performed by anesthesiologists and pain specialists in Iran and highlights the challenges ahead.