Regional Anesthesia: Blocks of the Upper and Lower Extremities

A regional block, also known as a localized block, is a type of anesthetic that blocks nerve transmission to prevent or alleviate pain. Regional anesthesia is the process of injecting an anesthetic substance into a peripheral nerve and inhibiting transmission to avoid or treat pain. It is distinct from general anesthesia in that it does not alter the patient’s level of awareness to alleviate pain. There are numerous advantages of regional anesthesia over general anesthesia, including avoidance of airway manipulation, lower dosages, fewer systemic medication adverse effects, shorter recovery period, and considerably less discomfort following surgery.