Operating unit time use is associated with anaesthesia type in below-knee surgery in adults

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Surgical Outcomes
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Peripheral nerve blocks offer an alternative anesthetic technique for high-risk patients.
• These patients may experience complications with general anesthesia or contraindications for central neuraxial blocks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of anesthetic technique on operating theatre and unit times.
• To compare peripheral nerve blocks with general anesthesia and central neuraxial blocks.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of medical records from 871 elderly patients undergoing below-knee surgery.
• Flexible parametric survival models were used to analyze operating theatre and unit exit ratios.

Main Results:

• Peripheral nerve blocks showed potential for reduced operating theatre time when initiated in a holding area.
• Peripheral nerve blocks were associated with reduced operating unit times compared to general anesthesia and central neuraxial blocks.

Conclusions:

• Peripheral nerve block anesthesia can optimize operating unit efficiency.
• This technique may also reduce operating theatre time, particularly if administered outside the main theatre.
• Peripheral nerve blocks are a valuable consideration for improving surgical workflow in specific patient populations.