Regional Anaesthesia New Zealand
Nerve Blocks For Surgery
Information for Patients and Families before your Nerve Block
General Information
What is a nerve block?
A nerve block is a common anaesthesia technique that involves the injection of a local anaesthetic (numbing medication) around specific peripheral nerves to block sensation and movement.
It can be performed for various regions in the body, including limbs (arms, hands, legs, feet), and trunk, etc.
A nerve block may be combined with sedation or general anaesthesia.
How is it performed?
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A cannula (small flexible tube) is inserted into a vein and monitoring is put on to ensure the safety of the procedure.
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The site of injection is cleaned and prepared in a sterile fashion to reduce the risk of infection.
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The targeted nerve(s) are located using an ultrasound
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The skin over the injection site is numbed with a small local anaesthetic injection to minimise discomfort during the procedure.
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A needle is then inserted near the target nerve(s).
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Once the needle is correctly positioned near the nerve, local anaesthetic medication is injected slowly. The local anaesthetic bathes the nerves and blocks their ability to transmit pain signals.
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The affected region (e.g. arm or leg) will start to feel warm, heavy and numb. The injection can take between 10 to 30 minutes to work.
Most people find the injection is no more painful than inserting an intravenous cannula.
Why should I have a nerve block?
Some of the key advantages of a nerve block include:
1. Targeted pain relief
Nerve blocks provide localised pain relief by targeting specific nerves. This allows precise pain management, promoting a more comfortable recovery process.
2. Decrease the use of strong pain relief medications
Nerve blocks help reduce the need for stronger pain relief medications, such as morphine. This can decrease potential side effects associated with these medications, such as nausea, drowsiness, constipation, itch, and impaired breathing
3. Early mobilisation and faster recovery
Effective pain control provided by nerve blocks can enable patients to mobilise, participate in physical therapy and aid in faster recovery.
4. Reduced the need for general anaesthesia
In many cases, nerve blocks can be used to reduce or eliminate the need for general anaesthesia. This can be beneficial for patients who are not suitable candidates for general anaesthesia.
The above benefits may lead to a reduced stay in the hospital for you.
Are nerve blocks safe?
While nerve blocks offer numerous advantages, some potential risks and complications can arise, as with any medical procedure.
Common side effects - These include mild bruising and localised soreness at the site of injection.
Uncommon side effects – These include failure of the nerve block and temporary numbness. Temporary numbness usually goes away with time. Less than 1 in 500 patients will have ongoing numbness after 1 year.
Rare risks - These include permanent nerve damage, infection, bleeding, allergic reactions and systemic reactions. Permanent nerve damage is a rare occurrence, affecting 1 out of every 2000 to 5,000 patients, with the risks varying depending on the type of block used.
It is important to discuss this with your anaesthetist who will assess the suitability of a nerve block for you.
Pre -Procedure FAQs
Will I be awake during the operation?
A nerve block is most often used in combination with general anaesthesia to provide pain relief during and after the surgery.
In some cases, a nerve block is used as the primary anaesthetic method, allowing you to remain awake while the surgery is performed. This can be an option when general anaesthesia is considered high-risk, and using a nerve block as the primary anaesthetic is the safest option.
When we use a nerve block as the primary anaesthetic option, sedation is often provided. Additionally, a large sterile drape will be placed to create a barrier between you and the surgical area, ensuring that you do not see what is happening during the operation.
If I don’t have the nerve block, will I have pain?
If you don’t have a nerve block, your anaesthetist will use other alternatives for pain management. This includes intravenous and oral pain medications. Depending on your operation, these medications can include strong pain relief medications which can have unwanted side effects.
Do I have the right to refuse the block?
Yes. It is important to discuss your concerns and preferences with your surgeon and anaesthetist. Together, we will create a tailored plan that ensures your comfort and safety.
