What is regional anesthesia?
Regional anesthesia is the use of medicines to block pain from an area of the body such as an arm or a leg or the belly. It's a safe way to relieve pain during a procedure. It's often used with medicines to relax you or make you fall asleep.
It can also help relieve pain after surgery. And it may reduce your need for other pain medicine after surgery.
This type of anesthesia can be used for many procedures. These include hand or foot surgeries. It may also be used for total joint replacements of the knee, hip, or shoulder. It may also be used during childbirth.
Regional anesthesia: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You have trouble breathing.
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have nausea or vomiting that gets worse or won't stop.
- You have a fever.
- You have a new or worse headache.
- The medicine is not wearing off by the time the doctor said it should.
- You have injured the numb area of your body.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
What are the types of regional anesthesia for children?
The main types are:
- Peripheral nerve blocks. This is a shot near a specific nerve or group of nerves. It blocks pain in the part of the body supplied by the nerve. This is often used for procedures on the hands, arms, feet, legs, or face.
- Spinal, epidural, and caudal. These are shots of medicine near the spinal cord and the nerves that connect to it. They block pain from an entire region of the body, such as the belly, hips, or legs.
How do you prepare for regional anesthesia?
You will get a list of instructions to help you prepare. Your anesthesia specialist will let you know what to expect when you get to the hospital, during the surgery, and after.
You'll be told when to stop eating and drinking.
If you take medicine, you'll be told what you can and can't take before surgery.
You'll be asked to sign a consent form. The form says that you know the risks of anesthesia. Before you sign, your specialist will talk with you. You'll discuss the best type for you. And you'll learn the risks and benefits of that type.
Many people are nervous before they have surgery. Ask your doctor about ways to relax before surgery.
How can you care for your child after regional anesthesia?
- Follow all instructions from your child's doctor about how to take care of the area that was numbed.
- Make sure your child doesn't injure the area while it's still numb.
- Remind them that if they move the area, to move it slowly and carefully.
- Be careful with hot and cold. Since your child won't feel pain, it's easier for damage from heat or cold to happen.
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