“How long does nerve block last after shoulder surgery?”
I am a 32 year old male. I want to know how long does nerve block last after shoulder surgery?
6 Answers
Please talk to the anesthesiologist who is scheduled to take care of you.
Anywhere between 12-18 hours.
Typically if Ropivacaine or Bupivacaine is used your nerve block will last anywhere from 12-24 hours following administration of the block. There is a formulation of Bupivacaine called Exparel that is expensive and less commonly used that can last up to 72 hours.
The Brachial Plexus, which is the nerve trunk that supplies your shoulder, arm, and hand, is blocked for shoulder surgery. The length of time the block will last depends upon where the nerve trunk is blocked, how much volume of local anesthetic is injected, which local anesthetic is used, and whether medications are added to the local anesthetic. A nerve block can be administered which anesthetizes the shoulder for surgery, but spares much of the arm and hand and the analgesic aspect of the block can last for over 24 hours.
Michael Urban, MD PhD
Michael Urban, MD PhD
This depends on the type, dose and concentration of the local anesthetic used and whether a continuous catheter was placed for top up after surgery has ended. Anywhere from 1-12 hours postop for pain block.
Steven Dain
Steven Dain
Up to 3 days
