Regional Anesthesia / Nerve Block / Outpatient Total Joint Surgery FAQs
Regional anesthesia numbs a specific area of the body, and this type of anesthetic is often referred to as a “nerve block”. A nerve block can help to control pain during and after surgery.
Your nerve block will be administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist who is trained in regional anesthetic techniques. Your anesthesiologist will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have beforehand.
A nerve block is usually performed prior to your surgery. Medications may be given to help you relax prior to receiving your nerve block. The area of your nerve block will be cleaned and numbed before your block is placed, and ultrasound technology will be used for accuracy.
Most nerve blocks last between several hours to over a full day.
Most patients receiving a nerve block will also get IV sedation or general anesthesia for their surgery, which may involve a breathing device such as an endotracheal tube. Your anesthesiologist will discuss the best anesthetic option for you, while also factoring in your personal preference.
Nerve blocks are commonly used, and they are considered very safe. Your anesthesiologist will review your medical history to reduce risks, and you will be closely monitored at all times.
You may notice numbness or weakness in the region of your nerve block, and a “tingling” sensation may occur as your block wears off. You may also have mild soreness or bruising at the injection site; though, serious complications (such as nerve injury) are rare (1 in 3000 to 1 in 5000).
Outpatient Total Joint Surgery
Outpatient total joint surgery allows many patients to safely return home the same day after hip, knee, or shoulder replacement. Anesthesia and pain control play a vital role in making this possible.
You will be carefully evaluated to be sure outpatient surgery is appropriate. Your medical history, medications, and prior anesthesia experiences are reviewed by our anesthesiologists, and an anesthesia plan is created to maximize your comfort and safety. Your anesthesia plan will often include a combination of spinal anesthesia, nerve blocks, sedation, and/or general anesthesia.
Spinal anesthesia is frequently utilized for knee and hip replacement surgery. A spinal anesthetic numbs the lower half of your body, allowing you to have surgery without feeling pain. Spinal anesthesia is often combined with IV sedation or general anesthesia with an endotracheal tube (also known as a “breathing tube”). The level of sedation you will undergo will be discussed with your anesthesiologist. Spinal anesthesia may help reduce nausea, surgical blood loss, and pain after surgery. The numbness from a spinal will start going away shortly after your procedure is completed.
General anesthesia means you will be fully asleep during surgery. General anesthesia may sometimes be used alone; though, it is often combined with a spinal anesthetic.
Nerve blocks numb specific nerves around the surgical joint, and these blocks are utilized for knee and shoulder replacement surgeries. Nerve blocks help control pain following surgery, and reduce the need for opioids. The “numbness” or “weakness” associated with nerve blocks is temporary (typically 6 to 24 hours).
You will first arrive at the surgery center on the morning of your procedure. Next, you will meet with your anesthesiologist. A nerve block or spinal anesthetic may be placed prior to surgery, and medication is given to help you relax and stay comfortable. You will be monitored continuously throughout your nerve block procedure and your surgery.
You will wake up in the recovery area, and be closely monitored by a nurse. If you have any pain or nausea, you will receive treatment for either or both. Many patients experience less pain due to receiving spinal anesthesia and/or nerve blocks. Physical therapy usually begins the same day as your procedure.
Most patients are ready to go home within a few hours following their surgery.