Major Ambulatory Surgery with Continuous Regional Anesthesia and a Disposable Infusion Pump

Abstract

CONTINUOUS peripheral nerve blockade can provide prolonged postoperative analgesia. By infusing local anesthetic through a catheter, neural blockade can be achieved that lasts longer than a single-injection block. 1,2 Traditionally, this method of pain relief has required a cumbersome infusion pump and a hospital stay. Reconstructive surgery of the foot or ankle can result in severe postoperative pain that is difficult to treat. Frequently, patients having such procedures require large doses of intravenous narcotics, which make early hospital discharge difficult. By using an anesthetic method that can provide improved analgesia and obviate a prolonged hospital stay, ambulatory surgery may be facilitated. We describe two patients undergoing major ankle surgery. Both patients were discharged to their homes with a continuous Sciatic nerve block and a disposable infusion pump.