[Pitfalls of ultrasound-guided nerve blocks].
Since the advent of ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve block, it has been thought that this new technique has many advantages over conventional ones. However, few of them have been confirmed yet. Nor is it free from problems that are associated with peripheral nerve block itself. First, a patient may develop neurologic complications after the block. Second, since a large volume of local anesthetic is used in peripheral nerve blocks, local anesthetic systemic toxicity may occur. In addition, there are some technical issues that are involved only in ultrasound-guided nerve block. There are clearly some limitations today for imaging smaller and deeper nerves. The needle placement with ultrasound guidance requires skills which conventional techniques do not. Therefore, it would be prudent to think that this new technique carries a similar risk of complications and requires similar amount of training to conventional ones.
Operating Room, University Hospital, Shimane University School of Medicine, Izumo 693-8501.
Shinichi
S
Sakura
D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000633:toxicity; D002983:Clinical Competence; D006801:Humans; D019300:Medical Errors; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D014463:Ultrasonography
D000779:Anesthetics, Local