“How is a nerve block done for hand surgery?”
I will have hand surgery with a nerve block. How is a nerve block done for hand surgery?
7 Answers
Typical order is: an IV is placed in the other arm, sedation medication is given, area (upper arm or shoulder area) is cleaned, injection with local anesthesia is made, wait for the block to set, and have surgery! Good luck.
We use ultrasound guided supraclavicular block for hand surgery.
A nerve block for hand surgery is usually done using an ultrasound. The ultrasound helps to visualize the nerve and other structures surrounding the nerve. A local anesthetic medication is injected around the nerve with a small needle. This medication stops the nerve from transmitting pain and the hand to become numb.
If you are getting a nerve block for hand surgery, the block is typically performed by administering an injection into the armpit near the nerves to the arm (an auxilliary block) or above the collar bone (a supraclavicular block). Both blocks allow for several hours of numbness for the procedure and afterwards.
A local anesthetic is injected adjacent to the nerve so that it goes numb. Usually, this is done farther up the arm so that the entire surgical area is numb.
Harrison B. Solomon, M.D.
Harrison B. Solomon, M.D.
An injection is given by the anesthesiologist in the region of the shoulder or upper arm. The advantage to a nerve block is that you do not require general anesthesia. Most often you are sedated during the surgery, similar to a colonoscopy, for example. The other advantage is that your arm will remain numb after the surgery, sometimes up to 24 to 48 hours, so that you do not have any pain immediately after your surgery. Good luck
Nerve block for hand surgery is usually done under ultrasound guidance and carries a low risk for complications. Benefits of nerve block are: less post-op pain, less narcotic use (leading to quicker recovery and less nausea), and more blood pressure stability. I would absolutely recommend nerve block for a family member of mine unless there was an absolute contraindication such as coagulopathy, pre-existing nerve damage, or patient refusal. Nerve block for outpatient hand surgery has become standard of care. If I was having hand surgery, I would absolutely ask for a nerve block.
