Ultrasound-guided truncal blocks for perioperative analgesia

ABSTRACT

The widespread application of ultrasound in clinical anesthesiology has led to an increase in the number of practitioners performing peripheral nerve blocks of the trunk to produce analgesia and anesthesia for surgeries involving the thorax, abdomen, and lower extremities. The use of real-time ultrasound has allowed the peripheral nerves, planes, and plexuses of the trunk to be located more accurately and has improved the success rate of blocks. Compared to central neuraxial techniques, many types of truncal blocks are relatively easy to perform and have low side effect profiles. As a result, truncal blocks have been introduced to provide perioperative analgesia for surgeries involving the thorax and abdomen. The most frequently used truncal block techniques include the paravertebral block, intercostal block, pectoralis and serratus anterior block, rectus sheath block, transversus abdominis plane block, and ilioinguinal and iliohypogastric nerve blocks. Recently introduced techniques also include the quadratus lumborum and erector spinae plane blocks. To apply each block correctly and reduce the likelihood of related side effects and complications, the practitioner must have a thorough understanding of the anatomical region, optimal block positioning, and device selection and management.