For many readers a drug “block” a channel as a cork stoppers a bottle. Local anaesthetics block nerve conduction by preventing the increase in membrane permeability to sodium ions that normally leads to a nerve impulse. The success of a regional anaesthetic programme is dependent on patient education and the support of the surgical team. To put a patient ease it is desirable for the surgeon to inform the patient about the possibility of receiving a block for his /her surgery prior to the day of surgery. In addition, the training, education, and skill of the individual performing the block are of paramount importance.
There are few absolute contraindications for a block. Patient refusal, local anaesthetic allergy, infection at the site of needle injury. A patient that is unable to co-operate secondary to decreased mental status is also an absolute contraindication. Regional anaesthesia…
