News and Events

January 31, 2008

Ultrasound-Guided Regional Anesthesia
Improves Patient Experiences

More and more hospitals, including Hudson Hospital, are now using ultrasound technology to improve surgical experiences for patients. Anesthesia providers use ultrasound to more precisely guide insertion of needles aimed at delivering nerve-numbing medication to reduce and eliminate pain during and after surgery.

“Whenever we can appropriately avoid general anesthesia and administer a regional approach to surgery and pain management, we’re ultimately able to reduce chances of complications,” says Jeff Reichel, CRNA, APNP, nurse anesthetist with Hudson Hospital Surgery and Procedure Center. “This also benefits patients by avoiding side effects of general anesthesia. Regional anesthesia reduces recovery time with decreased nausea, as well as allows patients to return home quicker and possibly even avoiding an overnight stay in the hospital.”

In partnership with the surgery team, the staff of Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists use ultrasound to more precisely locate peripheral nerves, then inject a nerve numbing medication into the area. A single injection can leave a limb pain free for several hours or a day. The medication is a local anesthetic, but the precise point of administration allows for pain-free surgery. In combination with sedation during the surgery this can result in a comfortable experience, early discharge home and excellent post-operative pain management.

Anesthesia controls pain during surgery or other medical procedures. Anesthesia medication can relax, block pain, or make patients sleepy, forgetful, or unconscious. Regional anesthesia blocks pain to a select part of the body, while general anesthesia affects the brain and entire body. The type of anesthesia patients receive is based on their health, the problem being treated and the type of procedure.

“We’re typically using this approach for patients receiving hand, wrist, shoulder and upper extremity surgeries or leg surgeries such as total knee replacements or ankle and foot surgery” continued Reichel.

Ultrasound use in regional anesthesia allows real-time imaging of nerves and direct needle guidance. The aim is not to touch the nerve but place the needle close to it. While both nerves and needles are visible on ultrasound, surgical staff can also confirm nerve identification by intentionally stimulating with an electrical impulse current. Once confirmed, administering the numbing medication can be completed with a much higher level of confidence and safety in providing maximum pain elimination.

Hudson Hospital is an independent, non-profit community hospital since 1953, and is located just off Interstate I-94 in Hudson, WI. The hospital campus is designed with the latest technology and amenities to support whole health and healing for patients and their families. Twenty-five private hospital rooms feature private bath, garden views, guest accommodations, room service for patients and guests, and spacious room to relax or visit with family, friends and even the family pet. Hudson Hospital recognizes the important role that family and friends can play in health and recovery, and personalizes a plan of care that works best for the patient and their family. Specialty services include inpatient and outpatient care in rehabilitation, emergency care, orthopaedic care, maternity and birth, surgery, cardiology, and treatment, rehabilitation and medical imaging.

Hudson Hospital , Hudson Physicians Clinic, Hudson Specialty Clinics and numerous other health care providers are conveniently located in the warm and comfortable environment of Hudson Health Campus.

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