Block Anaesthetics (you may wish to ask Mr Jeffers about his experience)
Our expert Upper Limb Anaesthetists perform regional anaesthetics to numb your arm by injecting local anaesthetic through a needle placed along the path of nerves. This is performed usuing an ultrasound machine to ensure safe and accurate placement. The anaesthetist may give a small dose of a medicine to reduce anxiety or lightly sedate you during the procedure and the subsequent operation.
There are several different types of regional anesthesia. The injection is performed close to the collarbone or neck, under the arm and in the forearm.
You arm will become completely numb and flail over a 30 to 60 minute period and only then will painless surgery commence.
Why Choose a Regional Anesthetic?
Similar to local anaesthetic wide awake hand surgery there are proven advantages including better postoperative pain relief, less need for strong painkillers such as morphine, less chance of being admitted overnight, faster recovery from anaesthetic, less nausea, and, for some surgeries, less blood loss and less risk of blood clots.
Is Placing the Block Painful?
The injection can be slightly uncomfortable or painful but is usually extremely well tolerated.
How Long Will It Last?
The regional anesthesia can provide from 1 to 24 hours of pain relief, depending on the specific medication used. The muscles controlled by the nerves that are blocked may also be weak until the block wears off. Most patients have between 6 and 12 hours of complete pain relief.
Are there any Complications?
Minor risks include incomplete pain relief, soreness or bruising at the needle site, or tingling that lasts for several days. Serious complications can occur but these are very rare: significant bleeding, infection, lung puncture or nerve injury.
How will I know or decide whether I'm suitable for a regional anaesthetic and who do I discuss it with?
Our expert Upper Limb Anaesthetist will have discussed your case with Mr Jeffers to see if you are suitable for this type of anaesthetic - the vast majority of patients are! The Anaesthetists will discuss this further with you during your pre-op anaesthetic assessment.
What if I can't have a regional anaesthetic or it doesn't work.?
There are occasions when the operation is likely to be lengthy and complex (such as wrist fracture or reconstructive surgery) requiring the patient to lie still for 2-3 hours, in this situation you will have a regional anaesthetic first and a light general anaesthetic in combination. Similarly, if you still can feel part of your hand or limb during the procedure you will be given a light general anaesthetic
There are several different types of regional anesthesia. The injection is performed close to the collarbone or neck, under the arm and in the forearm.
You arm will become completely numb and flail over a 30 to 60 minute period and only then will painless surgery commence.
Why Choose a Regional Anesthetic?
Similar to local anaesthetic wide awake hand surgery there are proven advantages including better postoperative pain relief, less need for strong painkillers such as morphine, less chance of being admitted overnight, faster recovery from anaesthetic, less nausea, and, for some surgeries, less blood loss and less risk of blood clots.
Is Placing the Block Painful?
The injection can be slightly uncomfortable or painful but is usually extremely well tolerated.
How Long Will It Last?
The regional anesthesia can provide from 1 to 24 hours of pain relief, depending on the specific medication used. The muscles controlled by the nerves that are blocked may also be weak until the block wears off. Most patients have between 6 and 12 hours of complete pain relief.
Are there any Complications?
Minor risks include incomplete pain relief, soreness or bruising at the needle site, or tingling that lasts for several days. Serious complications can occur but these are very rare: significant bleeding, infection, lung puncture or nerve injury.
How will I know or decide whether I'm suitable for a regional anaesthetic and who do I discuss it with?
Our expert Upper Limb Anaesthetist will have discussed your case with Mr Jeffers to see if you are suitable for this type of anaesthetic - the vast majority of patients are! The Anaesthetists will discuss this further with you during your pre-op anaesthetic assessment.
What if I can't have a regional anaesthetic or it doesn't work.?
There are occasions when the operation is likely to be lengthy and complex (such as wrist fracture or reconstructive surgery) requiring the patient to lie still for 2-3 hours, in this situation you will have a regional anaesthetic first and a light general anaesthetic in combination. Similarly, if you still can feel part of your hand or limb during the procedure you will be given a light general anaesthetic
