A Retrospective Clinical Registry of Peripheral Nerve Block

Locorregional anaesthesia have been increased its role in different kind of surgeries, alone or combined with general anesthesia. Due to ultrasound, peripheral nerve blocks have been increased their importance in locoregional anaesthesia. They provide excellent intraoperative and postoperative analgesia, decreasing the need for intravenous opioids which increase postoperative nausea and vomiting which may prolong hospital stay.

However, peripheral nerve blocks may be associated with postoperative complications, especially neurological ones. Classically, interscalene brachial plexus block produced a 100% incidence of phrenic nerve paralysis with resultant pulmonary compromise. Little literature has published a following of complications.

The primary study objective is to analyze retrospectively the use of peripheral nerve blocks in the current practice of a specialized regional anaesthesia division. The secondary objectives are assessed the patients characteristics of our sample, local anaesthetic dose used, the peripheral nerve block operator, the nerve location technique, the surgery and the complication rate after peripheral nerve block.

This is an observational, retrospective and unicenter study. 1346 patients scheduled for the surgery needed a peripheral nerve block were enrolled.

Inclusion criteria

• Every patient who needs a peripheral nerve block performed by Anestesia Department.

Exclusion criteria

• Patient refusal of peripheral nerve block.
• Known allergy to amide local anaesthetic drugs
• Absolute contraindications to perform a peripheral nerve block as coagulopathy, active infection at the block site or severe respiratory background.