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Author Spotlight: Enhancing Success of Ultrasound-Guided Neuraxial Anesthesia in Cases with Difficult Anatomy
Published on: January 31, 2025
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Adjunct medications for peripheral and neuraxial anesthesia
Patrick Ifesinachi Emelife1, Matthew R Eng2, Bethany L Menard2
1Department of Anesthesiology, LSU Health Sciences Center, Room 653, 1542 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Anaesthesiology
|October 17, 2018
Summary
Peripheral nerve blocks using regional anesthesia offer safer surgeries and less pain. Adjuvants like dexmedetomidine enhance local anesthetic effects, improving patient outcomes and reducing opioid use.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Regional anesthesia provides safer perioperative experiences and reduces pain and opioid consumption.
- Ultrasound guidance improves precision in peripheral nerve blocks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current use of adjuvants in regional anesthesia.
- To summarize evidence on adjuvant dosing, block prolongation, and patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of adjuvants used in regional anesthesia.
- Summary of evidence regarding efficacy, safety, and dosing.
Main Results:
- Adjuvants such as dexmedetomidine, dexamethasone, clonidine, and epinephrine can prolong nerve block duration and enhance effects.
- Evidence on optimal dosing and impact on patient outcomes and adverse effects is summarized.
Conclusions:
- Adjuvants play a significant role in optimizing regional anesthesia techniques.
- Further research into specific adjuvants and their applications is warranted.
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