Because this procedure is minimally invasive, the anesthesia should be also tailored to this surgical technique. Based on extensive clinical experience in phlebology and our published papers, short acting, painless peripheral nerve block is the anesthesia of choice. This allows this vein stripping to be performed reliably on an outpatient basis, with the patient leaving the hospital only a few hours following the surgical procedure. I especially think that regional blocks are beneficial in patients with co-existent diseases, such as diabetes, heart, lung or kidney disease. In orthopedic surgery, there is a compelling need for anesthesiologists who are trained in regional anesthesia.
Regional anesthesia is really the way to go in orthopedic surgery.
When it is done skillfully, it is really a great technique and very beneficial to patients. Nevertheless, I feel that the regional anesthesia techniques, especially peripheral nerve block skills must be acquired through a structured program if one is take the full benefit of this type of anesthesia. Patients who have nerve blocks for their foot and ankle surgery have less complications than those receiving general, spinal or epidural anesthesia. They results in a far superior pain relief after the operation, and better overall surgery and anesthesia experience for the patients. Compared to local anesthesia, nerve blocks provide better quality anesthesia, allow the use of a Tourniquet and minimize postoperative swelling.