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Electrophysiological Methods to Assess Peripheral Pain Block in an Anesthetized Rat
Published on: November 21, 2025
Neuroaxial blocks and tattoos: a dilemma?
1Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa, Francisco Gentil, EPE, Rua das Adelas no.2, Lisbon, Portugal. gaspana@gmail.com
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
|September 17, 2009
Summary
Most anesthesiologists perform neuroaxial blocks (NB) on parturients with lumbar tattoos, often avoiding tattooed areas. Lack of guidelines contributes to varied practices regarding NB safety in tattooed patients.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Obstetrics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Lumbar tattoos are increasingly common in parturients.
- Neuroaxial blocks (NB) are frequently requested in laboring patients.
- No established guidelines exist for performing NB on parturients with lumbar tattoos.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey anesthesiologists' practices regarding NB in parturients with lumbar tattoos.
- To understand the rationale behind their decisions.
- To identify factors influencing NB performance in this population.
Main Methods:
- A multiple-choice questionnaire was distributed to 537 anesthesiologists.
- Descriptive analysis was performed on the collected data.
- The survey focused on experiences and approaches to NB in tattooed parturients.
Main Results:
- 162 anesthesiologists responded.
- 92 had performed NB through tattoos; 55 did so on pigment-free skin, 6 refused, and 31 were inconsistent.
- For those not yet confronted, 74.3% would perform NB, mostly on ink-free areas, often based on personal opinion.
Conclusions:
- A trend exists to perform NB on pigment-free skin areas.
- Anesthesiologists rely on literature and personal opinion due to a lack of definitive guidelines.
- The controversy surrounding risks of NB over tattoos contributes to diverse clinical practices.
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