Regional anaesthesia in ambulatory surgery

Purpose of review The purpose of this review is to present recent research into the clinical use of regional anaesthesia techniques in ambulatory surgery. Further, to put into an ambulatory perspective some of the issues recently discussed on the basis and practice of regional anaesthesia in general. Recent findings Early discharge with long-acting peripheral nerve blockade seems safe, and discharge of patients who have not voided after surgery is possible under specified terms. The spinal anaesthesia technique may be improved in terms of better and faster recovery characteristics if the dose of local anaesthesia is reduced by adding a small dose of opioid. Summary Loco-regional techniques are well suited for ambulatory surgery due to less postoperative nausea and pain and possibly less cognitive dysfunction. The different techniques are continuously being refined in order to provide fast discharge readiness, while still maintaining the benefits.