Regional and General Anaesthesia – Rivals or Partners?

Overview

The author demonstrates possible advantages in combining methods of general and regionalanaesthesia. Methods of general anaesthesia, such as analgesia and sedation, are often used inperipheral and neuroaxial blocks. The advantages of general and regional anaesthesia remarkablyincrease number of profiting patients.On the other hand,methods of regional anaesthesialower the risk and an amount of complications during and after extensive surgical proceduresunder general anaesthesia. In many patients combination of general and regional anaesthesiarepresents the most rational and simple approach to increase operiperative safety and optimalcare in the postoperative period. Combination of both conflicting principles helps to minimisethe negative influence on physiological functions.

Key words:
general anaesthesia – regional anaesthesia.