Download 002057_Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block

Surgical Program
Continuous Peripheral
Nerve Block for Pain Relief
www.hrh.ca
What is a continuous peripheral
nerve block?
What can I expect during the nerve
block procedure?
A continuous peripheral nerve block is a special
procedure we do to control your pain after shoulder,
arm or leg surgery.
There are several types of blocks for arm or leg
surgeries. The anesthesiologist will discuss with you
which block is best for you.
An anesthesiologist will place
a medicine called a local
anesthetic near a group of
nerves to numb the area of
your body requiring surgery.
This “blocks” the feeling of pain
during and after surgery.
• The anesthesiologist will give you a small amount of
sedation to help you relax before performing
the block.
A local
anesthetic is a
common drug,
similar to those
used in a dental
office to numb
your gums.
For longer-term pain control,
the anesthesiologist will insert
a thin, soft tube to the area. We attach the local
anesthetic to the end of this tube and it will slowly
release to the area for 24 to 48 hours after surgery.
• A nurse will help you in a comfortable position and
will help the anesthesiologist during the procedure.
• The nurse will start giving you oxygen through your
nose and will check your blood pressure and heart
rate frequently during the procedure.
• We will clean the area of the block with a solution
that may feel cold to you.
Why should I have a nerve block?
We may give you a nerve block if you have surgery to
your shoulder, arm or leg. After surgery, a nerve block
works to:
• Decrease the need for pain medicine
• Reduce the risk for nausea and vomiting
(throwing up)
• Reduce drowsiness (feeling sleepy) and sedation
• Speed up recovery.
English
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ask someone to help you.
Italian
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questo, chieda aiuto a qualcuno.
Spanish
¡Esta información es importante! Si tiene dificultad en leer esto,
pida que alguien le ayude.
Form # 002057
© 2013_07
Peripheral nerves go
from your spinal cord
to your arms, hands,
legs, and feet.
Source: National
Institute of Diabetes and
Digestive and Kidney
Diseases, National
Institutes
of Health.
What can I expect after surgery?
After the surgery, you may notice your shoulder, arm or
leg with the block feels heavy and warm and you may
not be able to move it. This is normal and may last as
long as you are receiving the infusion of
numbing medicine.
What special care must I take if I have
a block in my leg?
• You are at risk for falls and injury because your leg
is numb and the muscles may be weak. Do not get
out of bed on your own. Please ask your nurse or the
physiotherapist for help getting out of bed.
• Do not put weight on your affected leg until the
block wears off and then only as directed by
your surgeon.
How do I protect my affected arm
or leg?
Your affected limb may not be able to feel pain or
pressure or extreme temperatures until the block
wears off. You may wear an arm sling or a knee brace
to protect you from injury.
• Use crutches until the feeling in your leg returns
to normal.
When resting, keep your blocked limb on a pillow to
avoid placing pressure on it.You will need to move it to
another position every two hours. A nurse will help you
to do this.
What special care must I take if I have
a block in my arm?
• You may feel dizzy when you first start to move.
Do not get out of bed without help from your nurse.
• Keep your arm protected in a sling when you
move around.
• You may have unequal pupils and your face may
droop on the same side we put the block. These are
common side effects and should go away as the block
wears off.
For safety’s sake...
Let you nurse and doctor know right away if
you have:
• Shortness of breath
• Blurred vision
• Hoarseness
• Tingling sensation to your tongue or around
your lips.
www.hrh.ca