REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA Complications of peripheral nerve blocks

Key points † Serious complications of peripheral nerve blocks include nerve injury, catheter infection, bleeding, and LAST. † Intraneural injection occurs frequently with nerve stimulator or ultrasound-guided techniques. It is rarely associated with nerve injury. † Lipid emulsion therapy is effective in treating severe LAST. Summary Complications of peripheral nerve blocks are fortunately rare, but can be devastating for both the patient and the anaesthesiologist. This review will concentrate on current knowledge about peripheral nerve injury secondary to nerve blocks, complications from continuous peripheral nerve catheter techniques, and local anaesthetic systemic toxicity.