Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
08:05
Electrophysiological Methods to Assess Peripheral Pain Block in an Anesthetized Rat
Published on: November 21, 2025
[Complications of peripheral regional anesthesia]
1Abteilung für Anästhesie und Intensivmedizin, Ortenau Klinikum, Josef-Wurzler-Strasse 7, Achern, Germany. michaelneuburger@aol.com
Der Anaesthesist
|November 16, 2011
Summary
Peripheral regional anesthesia is generally safe with rare complications like nerve damage (<0.1%) or bleeding. Adhering to standards and aseptic techniques minimizes risks, ensuring patient safety during procedures.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Regional Anesthesia
- Patient Safety
Context:
- Peripheral regional anesthesia is a widely adopted and secure medical procedure.
- General complications and adverse effects are infrequent.
- Established national standards guide block performance, especially concerning antithrombotic therapy.
Purpose:
- To review the safety profile of peripheral regional anesthesia.
- To outline potential complications and their management.
- To emphasize the importance of adhering to best practices for minimizing risks.
Summary:
- Nerve damage is rare (<0.1%) with a good prognosis.
- Bleeding risks are managed by following antithrombotic therapy guidelines.
- Systemic toxicity, often from accidental IV injection, may be treated with lipid emulsions.
- Infectious complications are linked to catheter use, necessitating strict aseptic techniques.
- Other rare issues include allergies, catheter dislodgement, and site-specific risks like pneumothorax.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of peripheral regional anesthesia safety.
- Highlights key risk factors and mitigation strategies for clinicians.
- Reinforces the importance of standardized protocols and aseptic techniques in anesthesia practice.
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