Peripheral Regional Anesthesia Without Any Complications - a Dream Comes True?!

Abstract

Peripheral regional anesthesia procedures, such as femoral nerve block, are relatively safe procedures in clinical anesthesia. Nevertheless, it may lead to typical, usually transient and rarely even persistent complications. This article aims to highlight key aspects of complications in peripheral regional anesthesia and, in particular, strategies to reduce risk. Moreover, beside general complications, which might potentially occur in any peripheral nerve blockade ("bleeding/infection/nerve damage"), accidental co-blockades of other nerval structures are discussed using the example of the brachial plexus. In addition to the presentation of the possible complications, this article discusses improvements in the techniques during the last two decades. Due to the use of ultrasound, some side effects nowadays are supposed to occur less likely. An outlook into the future will inform the reader about improved or more selective blockages.