title: [Peripheral nerve blocks of the lower extremities. Clinical and practical aspects].
abstract: Peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) of the lower extremities are effective techniques for anesthesia and postoperative pain control. So far, these techniques have been used less frequently than PNBs of the upper limb. Nevertheless, growing awareness of complications of neuroaxial techniques, improved equipment and modern techniques for nerve localization have led to an increased use of PNBs of the lower limb. Anesthesiologists should be familiar with the anatomical basics and procedural details of these PNBs. They should also know the typical complications and side-effects and thoroughly inform patients about such potential problems. Continuous PNBs (perineural catheters) allow the benefits of PNBs to be prolonged into the postoperative period. Compared to continuous neuroaxial techniques continuous PNBs are equally effective for pain control but seem to be associated with fewer complications and side-effects.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivtherapie, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307, Dresden. andreas.reske@uniklinikum-dresden.de
authors.forename: A W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Reske
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Reske
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Meier
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wiegel
mesh_terms: D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002404:Catheterization; D000075202:Contraindications; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D035002:Lower Extremity; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013242:Sterilization
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000925:Anticoagulants