Regional anesthesia refers to a form of anesthesia in which local anesthetic medications are injected into patients to numb only the area of the body that requires surgery. It is used commonly for procedures in obstetrics and gynecology as well as urology and orthopedics.

1. The Benefits of
Regional Anesthesia
By Courtney Leddell

2. What is Regional Anesthesia?
Regional anesthesia refers to a form of anesthesia in
which local anesthetic medications are injected into
patients to numb only the area of the body that requires
surgery. It is used commonly for procedures in obstetrics
and gynecology as well as urology and orthopedics.

3. Types of Regional Anesthesia
Regional anesthesia consists of two major types.
 Peripheral nerve blocks are local anesthetic medications that are
injected into a nerve or bundle of nerves to block pain in a certain
location of the body.
 Nerve blocks are most effective in surgeries involving the
face, groin, legs, feet, arms, and hands.
 By contrast, epidural and spinal anesthetics are injected near the
spinal cord and its major nerve areas to numb an entire region of
the body, such as the lower portion of the body.
Other medications are frequently used in conjunction with regional
anesthesia to relax the patient or reduce pain. Regional blocks are
also used to lessen pain after surgery.

4. Regional Anesthesia: Safe and Effective
With advances in medical knowledge, regional anesthesia
has become safe and effective.
 New technologies allow for more effective monitoring of
patients for complications.

5. Some Benefits of Regional Anesthesia
While there may be risks associated with regional
anesthesia, there are also many benefits.
 Patients may be conscious during the procedure, or if
sedated, they awaken faster.
 Additionally, local anesthetic medications provide extended
lengths of pain reduction, thus eliminating the risks and side
effects of general anesthesia.
 By avoiding the use of opioids, patients will not experience
accompanying side effects such as nausea and vomiting.

6. Benefits—Continued
 Furthermore, these local anesthetic medications
enhance operating conditions for the surgeon because
they reduce intraoperative bleeding, lower the risk for
blood clots, and induce muscle relaxation.
 Studies have shown high patient satisfaction with
regional anesthesia.

7. About the Author
Courtney Leddell practiced
anesthesiology for five years at Advocate
BroMenn Hospital before beginning a
consulting practice. His specialty is
regional anesthesia. Dr. Leddell
graduated from the University of Illinois
College of Medicine and completed his
residency in anesthesiology at the
University of Iowa Carver College of
Medicine.