title: Continuous peripheral nerve blocks in the hospital and at home.
abstract: A single-injection peripheral nerve block using long-acting local anesthetic provides analgesia for 12 to 24 hours; however, many surgical procedures result in pain that lasts far longer. One relatively new option is a continuous peripheral nerve block (CPNB): local anesthetic is perfused via a perineural catheter directly adjacent to the peripheral nerve(s) supplying the surgical site, providing potent, site-specific analgesia. CPNB results in decreased pain, opioid requirements, opioid-related side effects, and sleep disturbances; in some cases, accelerating resumption of tolerated passive joint range-of-motion and increasing patient satisfaction. Ambulatory perineural infusion may be provided using a portable infusion pump, in some cases resulting in decreased hospitalization duration and related costs. Serious complications are rare, but may result in significant morbidity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, 200 West Arbor Drive, MC 8770, San Diego, CA 92103-8770, USA. bilfeld@ucsd.edu
authors.forename: Brian M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Ilfeld
mesh_terms: D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects; D006699:Home Care Services; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D007260:Infusion Pumps; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local