Abstract
Availability of minimally invasive abdominal procedures can be restricted in cases
of painful procedures, due to limited access to anesthesia support or the more recent
avoidance of aerosol generating medical procedures such as intubation. Intravenous
sedation, in many cases is insufficient to effectively control the pain, leaving patients
to suffer undue discomfort and a medical team stressed by the situation. Regional
nerve blocks can offer a solution but are underutilized, likely in large part due
to a lack of knowledge of available options.
This manuscript describes four different nerve blocks that can be useful for analgesia
related to upper abdominal procedures. Available data are reviewed regarding their
effectiveness and the technique used to perform them is described. Information provided
aims to help decide which is likely to provide the best analgesia depending on the
procedure being done. Increase use of these blocks has the potential to improve patient's
accessibility to minimally invasive upper abdominal procedures.
Keywords
nerve block - hepatic - interventions
