Local Anaesthetics and regional nerve blocks in ENT

Abstract

Background:

Regional nerve blockade using local anaesthetics are useful for achieving anaesthesia to a specific area. The application of regional nerve blocks enables a lot of cases without the need for general anaesthesia (GA) in ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) practice, thus minimising the side effects associated with GA.

Objective:

To give a brief overview of the pharmacology of local anaesthetics, the sites of regional blocks and the uses of local anaesthetics in ENT.

Methods:

Literature search has been carried out using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane database

Results:

Regional nerve blocks with various local anaesthetic agents usually achieves effective anesthesia with minimal complications.

Conclusion:

Local anaesthetics and regional blocks play a crucial role in ENT, enabling the surgeon to undertake a wide range of procedures under local anaesthesia without the need for general anaesthesia.