Complications of regional anaesthesia

Alasdair Taylor; Calum R. K. Grant

doi:10.1016/j.mpaic.2019.01.017

Complications of regional anaesthesia

Alasdair Taylor
, Calum R. K. Grant

Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Complications of regional anaesthesia can be divided into those specific to central neuraxial blockade, those specific to peripheral nerve blockade, and those that pertain to both. Fortunately, severe complications, namely spinal cord damage, vertebral cord haematoma and epidural abscess are rare. Here we have given an overview of these complications, with reference to incidences available following the 3rd National Audit Project of the Royal College of Anaesthetists. A thorough knowledge of anatomy and pharmacology, and a meticulous, unhurried technique are key to reducing the risk of such complications. When considering the use of a regional anaesthetic technique, the risks and benefits for the individual patient should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and set against the risks and benefits of alternatives.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	210-214
Number of pages	5
Journal	Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine
Volume	20
Issue number	4
Early online date	14 Mar 2019
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mpaic.2019.01.017
Publication status	Published - Apr 2019

Keywords

Central neuraxial block
complications
consent
nerve damage
peripheral nerve block
regional anaesthesia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine
Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

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title = "Complications of regional anaesthesia",

abstract = "Complications of regional anaesthesia can be divided into those specific to central neuraxial blockade, those specific to peripheral nerve blockade, and those that pertain to both. Fortunately, severe complications, namely spinal cord damage, vertebral cord haematoma and epidural abscess are rare. Here we have given an overview of these complications, with reference to incidences available following the 3rd National Audit Project of the Royal College of Anaesthetists. A thorough knowledge of anatomy and pharmacology, and a meticulous, unhurried technique are key to reducing the risk of such complications. When considering the use of a regional anaesthetic technique, the risks and benefits for the individual patient should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and set against the risks and benefits of alternatives.",

keywords = "Central neuraxial block, complications, consent, nerve damage, peripheral nerve block, regional anaesthesia",

author = "Alasdair Taylor and Grant, \{Calum R. K.\}",

year = "2019",

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language = "English",

volume = "20",

pages = "210--214",

journal = "Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine",

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TY - JOUR

T1 - Complications of regional anaesthesia

AU - Taylor, Alasdair

AU - Grant, Calum R. K.

PY - 2019/4

Y1 - 2019/4

N2 - Complications of regional anaesthesia can be divided into those specific to central neuraxial blockade, those specific to peripheral nerve blockade, and those that pertain to both. Fortunately, severe complications, namely spinal cord damage, vertebral cord haematoma and epidural abscess are rare. Here we have given an overview of these complications, with reference to incidences available following the 3rd National Audit Project of the Royal College of Anaesthetists. A thorough knowledge of anatomy and pharmacology, and a meticulous, unhurried technique are key to reducing the risk of such complications. When considering the use of a regional anaesthetic technique, the risks and benefits for the individual patient should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and set against the risks and benefits of alternatives.

AB - Complications of regional anaesthesia can be divided into those specific to central neuraxial blockade, those specific to peripheral nerve blockade, and those that pertain to both. Fortunately, severe complications, namely spinal cord damage, vertebral cord haematoma and epidural abscess are rare. Here we have given an overview of these complications, with reference to incidences available following the 3rd National Audit Project of the Royal College of Anaesthetists. A thorough knowledge of anatomy and pharmacology, and a meticulous, unhurried technique are key to reducing the risk of such complications. When considering the use of a regional anaesthetic technique, the risks and benefits for the individual patient should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and set against the risks and benefits of alternatives.

KW - Central neuraxial block

KW - complications

KW - consent

KW - nerve damage

KW - peripheral nerve block

KW - regional anaesthesia

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85063437772

U2 - 10.1016/j.mpaic.2019.01.017

DO - 10.1016/j.mpaic.2019.01.017

M3 - Review article

AN - SCOPUS:85063437772

SN - 1472-0299

VL - 20

SP - 210

EP - 214

JO - Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine

JF - Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine

IS - 4

ER -

Complications of regional anaesthesia

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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