Ultrasound guided rectus sheath block - analgesia for abdominal surgery

HISTORY OF THE RECTUS SHEATH BLOCK Abdominal field block was first described in 1899 by Schleich.1 Various methods of abdominal field block have been used in anaesthetic practice over recent decades. A technique involving multiple injections of local anaesthetic in the abdominal wall was used in the 1980’s.2 This technique was simplified with a single injection non-ultrasound technique used through the 1990’s, which was commonly used for paediatric umbilical surgery.3 Since 2007 the technique has further developed to include ultrasound guidance4 and placement of rectus sheath catheters.