Examining Use of Low-Dose Ketamine Infusions During the Postoperative Period: A Retrospective Study Comparing Opioid-Tolerant and Nonopioid-Tolerant Patients.

Ketamine is a well-known anesthetic that has been used since the 1970s. Despite its ubiquitous use as a postoperative analgesic, no studies have described dosing differences between opioid-tolerant (OT) and nonopioid-tolerant (NOT) patients or determined optimal dosing. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether OT and NOT patients had significant differences in ketamine infusion dosing requirements. We also aimed to measure the overall incidence of psychotomimetic adverse effects associated with low-dose ketamine infusions. We hypothesized that NOT patients would have lower ketamine infusion dosing requirements and a higher incidence of psychotomimetic adverse effects compared with OT patients. We performed a retrospective chart review and showed that the percentages of OT and NOT patients experiencing psychotomimetic adverse effects were similar (15.5% vs 15.3%; P=.93) and that increasing age was the only factor associated with increased odds of experiencing a psychotomimetic adverse effect potentially associated with ketamine (odds ratio, 1.29 [95% CI, 1.11-1.50]; P=.001). Optimal subanesthetic ketamine infusion dosing could not be established, and further research in this area may be warranted.

A Three-arm Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Continuous Femoral Plus Single-injection Sciatic Peripheral Nerve Blocks versus Periarticular Injection with Ropivacaine or Liposomal Bupivacaine for Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Multimodal analgesia is standard practice for total knee arthroplasty; however, the role of regional techniques in improved perioperative outcomes remains unknown. The authors hypothesized that peripheral nerve blockade would result in lower pain scores and opioid consumption than two competing periarticular injection solutions. METHODS: This three-arm, nonblinded trial randomized 165 adults undergoing unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty to receive (1) femoral catheter plus sciatic nerve blocks, (2) ropivacaine-based periarticular injection, or (3) liposomal bupivacaine-based periarticular injection. Primary outcome was maximal pain during postoperative day 1 (0 to 10, numerical pain rating scale) in intention-to-treat analysis. Additional outcomes included pain scores and opioid consumption for postoperative days 0 to 2 and 3 months. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-seven study patients received peripheral nerve block (n = 50), ropivacaine (n = 55), or liposomal bupivacaine (n = 52) and reported median maximal pain scores on postoperative day 1 of 3, 4, and 4.5 and on postoperative day 0 of 1, 4, and 5, respectively (average pain scores for postoperative day 0: 0.6, 1.7, and 2.4 and postoperative day 1: 2.5, 3.5, and 3.7). Postoperative day 1 median maximal pain scores were significantly lower for peripheral nerve blockade compared to liposomal bupivacaine-based periarticular injection (P = 0.016; Hodges-Lehmann median difference [95% CI] = -1 [-2 to 0]). After postanesthesia care unit discharge, postoperative day 0 median maximal and average pain scores were significantly lower for peripheral nerve block compared to both periarticular injections (ropivacaine: maximal -2 [-3 to -1]; P < 0.001; average -0.8 [-1.3 to -0.2]; P = 0.003; and liposomal bupivacaine: maximal -3 [-4 to -2]; P < 0.001; average -1.4 [-2.0 to -0.8]; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Ropivacaine-based periarticular injections provide pain control comparable on postoperative days 1 and 2 to a femoral catheter and single-injection sciatic nerve block. This study did not demonstrate an advantage of liposomal bupivacaine over ropivacaine in periarticular injections for total knee arthroplasty.

Perioperative Nerve Injury After Peripheral Nerve Block in Patients With Previous Systemic Chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are multiple risk factors for developing perioperative nerve injury (PNI). Perioperative nerve injury after peripheral nerve blockade (PNB) is rare. Exposure to systemic chemotherapy may cause peripheral neuropathy, but its role as a risk factor for PNI after PNB is unknown. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine the incidence of PNI in patients undergoing PNB as part of extremity surgery after prior exposure to systemic chemotherapy. METHODS: All patients aged 18 years or older who received systemic chemotherapy and subsequently underwent PNB were identified. The primary outcome was defined as the presence of new or worsened PNI documented within 3 months of the procedural date. Cases of PNI were independently reviewed by 3 investigators, and the etiology of all PNI cases were categorized as possibly or unlikely related to the PNB. RESULTS: A total of 216 PNB (165 lower extremity blocks, 51 upper extremity blocks) were performed in 186 patients previously exposed to chemotherapy; 4 cases met criteria for PNI (2.2%; 95% confidence interval, 0.8%-5.4%). One case of PNI was possibly related to PNB (0.5%; 95% confidence interval, 0.1%-3.0%) and 3 cases were unlikely related to PNB. Complete recovery occurred in 3 cases, with partial recovery occurring in 1. CONCLUSIONS: The overall incidence of PNI in this cohort (2.2%) was not different than baseline risk established in large cohort studies. Perioperative nerve injury was possibly attributable to the PNB in 0.5% of patients. However, in the absence of a control group of surgical patients who previously received systemic chemotherapy without regional anesthesia, we cannot determine whether the higher incidence of neurologic injury is secondary to the surgical procedure, the anesthetic technique, the natural progression of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, or a combination of factors and the relative contribution of each.

Performance Measurement to Demonstrate Value.

Anesthesiologists are obligated to demonstrate the value of the care they provide. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has multiple performance-based payment programs to drive high-value care and motivate integrated care for surgical patients and hospitalized patients. These programs rely on diverse arrays of performance measures and complex reporting rules. Among all specialties, anesthesiology has tremendous potential to effect wide-ranging change on diverse measures. Performance measures deserve scrutiny by anesthesiologists as tools to improve care, the means by which payment is determined, and as a means to demonstrate the value of care to surgeons, hospitals, and patients.

The Impact of Anesthetic Management on Surgical Site Infections in Patients Undergoing Total Knee or Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most challenging and costly complications associated with total joint arthroplasty. Our primary aim in this case-controlled trial was to compare the risk of SSI within a year of surgery for patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) and revision TKA or THA under general anesthesia versus neuraxial anesthesia. Our secondary aim was to determine which patient, anesthetic, and surgical variables influence the risk of SSI. We hypothesized that patients who undergo neuraxial anesthesia may have a lesser risk of SSI compared with those who had a general anesthetic. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, case-control study of patients undergoing primary or revision TKA and THA between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2008, who subsequently were diagnosed with an SSI. The cases were matched 1:2 with controls based on type of joint replacement (TKA versus THA), type of procedure (primary, bilateral, revision), sex, date of surgery (within 1 year), ASA physical status (I and II versus III, IV, and V), and operative time (<3 vs >3 hours). RESULTS: During the 11-year period, 202 SSIs were identified. Of the infections identified, 115 (57%) occurred within the first 30 days and 87 (43%) occurred between 31 and 365 days. From both univariate and multivariable analyses, no significant association was found between the use of central neuraxial anesthesia and the postoperative infection (univariate odds ratio [OR] = 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63-1.34; P = 0.651; multivariable OR = 1.10; 95% CI, 0.72-1.69; P = 0.664). The use of peripheral nerve block also was not found to influence the risk of postoperative infection (univariate OR = 1.41; 95% CI, 0.84-2.37; P = 0.193; multivariable OR = 1.35; 95% CI, 0.75-2.44; P = 0.312). The factors that were found to be associated with postoperative infection in multivariable analysis included current smoking (OR = 5.10; 95% CI, 2.30-11.33) and higher body mass index (BMI) (OR = 2.68; 95% CI, 1.42-5.06 for BMI ≥ 35 kg/m compared with those with BMI < 25 kg/m). CONCLUSIONS: Recent studies using large databases have concluded that the use of neuraxial compared with general anesthesia is associated with a decreased incidence of SSI in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty. In this retrospective, case-controlled study, we found no difference in the incidence of SSI in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty under general versus neuraxial anesthesia. We also concluded that the use of peripheral nerve blocks does not influence the incidence of SSI. Increasing BMI and current smoking were found to significantly increase the incidence of SSI in patients undergoing lower extremity total joint arthroplasty.

The Second ASRA Practice Advisory on Neurologic Complications Associated With Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine: Executive Summary 2015.

Neurologic injury associated with regional anesthetic or pain medicine procedures is extremely rare. The Second American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Practice Advisory on Neurologic Complications Associated With Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine focuses on those complications associated with mechanical, ischemic, or neurotoxic injury of the neuraxis or peripheral nervous system. As with the first advisory, this iteration does not focus on hemorrhagic or infectious complications or local anesthetic systemic toxicity, all of which are the subjects of separate practice advisories. The current advisory offers recommendations to aid in the understanding and potential limitation of rare neurologic complications that may arise during the practice of regional anesthesia and/or interventional pain medicine. WHAT'S NEW: The Second American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Practice Advisory on Neurologic Complications Associated With Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine updates information that was originally presented at the Society's first open forum on this subject (2005) and published in 2008. Portions of the second advisory were presented in an open forum (2012) and are herein updated, with attention to those topics subject to evolving knowledge since the first and second advisory conferences. The second advisory briefly summarizes recommendations that have not changed substantially. New to this iteration of the advisory is information related to the risk of nerve injury inherent to common orthopedic surgical procedures. Recommendations are expanded regarding the preventive role of various monitoring technologies such as ultrasound guidance and injection pressure monitoring. New clinical recommendations focus on emerging concerns including spinal stenosis and vertebral canal pathologies, blood pressure management during neuraxial anesthesia, administering blocks in anesthetized or deeply sedated patients, patients with preexisting neurologic disease, and inflammatory neuropathies. An updated diagnostic and treatment algorithm is presented.

Regional Anesthesia in Patients With Preexisting Neurologic Disease.

WHAT'S NEW: Since publication of initial recommendations in 2008, there is limited new information regarding the performance of regional anesthesia in patients with preexisting neurologic diseases. However, the strength of evidence has increased since 2008 regarding (1) the concern that diabetic nerves are more sensitive to local anesthetics and perhaps more susceptible to injury and (2) the concern that performing neuraxial anesthesia and analgesia in patients with preexisting spinal canal pathology may increase the risk of new or worsening neurologic symptoms. This increased evidence reinforces our initial recommendations. In addition, since the initial recommendations in 2008, the concept of postsurgical inflammatory neuropathy has been described and is potentially a contributor to postoperative neurologic dysfunction.

Worsening of Neurologic Symptoms After Spinal Anesthesia in Two Patients With Spinal Stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: Spinal stenosis has been proposed as a previously unrecognized risk factor for neurologic complications after neuraxial techniques. CASE REPORT: We report progression of neurologic symptoms after spinal anesthesia in 2 patients with preexisting spinal stenosis, characterized preoperatively solely by nonradicular back pain. One patient had complete resolution of his proximal lower-extremity weakness/numbness within 48 hours. In the second patient, the pain became severe and disabling, requiring surgical decompression. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that, until the relative contribution of patient and surgical (eg, positioning, retractors, hypotension) factors is known, the decision to perform neuraxial blockade in patients with severe symptoms of neuroclaudication or recently progressive symptomatic spinal stenosis should be made cautiously. Avoidance of spinal anesthesia is suggested for any procedure with prolonged lordotic positioning or any position that might cause a compromise of the spinal canal because subarachnoid block may contribute to any deterioration suffered by the patient.

Positioning artifact causing retained foreign object appearance in a radiograph of a venous catheter.

In preparation for an abdominal tumor debulking procedure, a patient had a right internal jugular central venous catheter (CVC) inserted. A radiologist interpreted a postoperative chest radiograph as containing a 7-cm foreign body in the distal lumen of the CVC. After removal, dissection of the CVC revealed a polyurethane plug in the distal lumen. The manufacturer (Arrow®) states that the synthetic plug is part of standard CVC construction that may produce a radiopaque signal with specific patient positioning during radiography. This report is intended to raise awareness of the potential for this radiographic finding and prevent the unnecessary removal of clinically indicated CVCs.

A self-paired comparison of perioperative outcomes before and after implementation of a clinical pathway in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Clinical pathways commonly modify multiple variables and deviate from long-established clinical practices. Therefore, it is difficult to perform prospective, randomized clinical trials comparing "standard care" to the "new clinical pathway." The goal of this investigation was to examine the impact of clinical pathways implementation on perioperative outcomes and institutional costs in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: This before-and-after study evaluated patient clinical outcomes and economic costs after the implementation of institutional clinical pathway. The primary outcome was hospital length of stay (LOS). Clinical and economic outcomes were analyzed as continuous variables using paired t test. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients were identified for study inclusion. Patients undergoing their TKA after implementation of the clinical pathway had a significantly shorter hospital LOS (3.4 vs 4.4 days; P < 0.001). Patients reported significantly less postoperative pain, less postoperative confusion, and an easier time participating in physical therapy sessions after their second (after the clinical pathway implementation) TKA. Patients undergoing their TKA after the clinical pathway implementation had reduced total direct hospital costs ($956; 95% confidence interval, $233-$1785; P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated that the use of a standardized clinical pathway reduced hospital LOS, improved clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction while reducing costs for identical surgical procedures.

Factors that influence the selection of sterile glove brand: a randomized controlled trial evaluating the performance and cost of gloves.

PURPOSE: To determine whether glove use modifies tactile and psychomotor performance of health care providers when compared with no glove use and to evaluate factors that influence the selection of sterile glove brand. METHODS: Forty-two anesthesia providers (nine anesthesiologists, seven nurse anesthetists, 20 residents, six student nurse anesthetists) enrolled in and completed this cross-over randomized trial from May 2010 until August 2011. Participants underwent standardized psychomotor testing while wearing five different types of protective gloves. Assessments of psychomotor performance included tactile, fine motor/dexterity, and hand-eye coordination tests. Subjective ratings of glove comfort and performance were reported at the completion of each glove trial. The manufacturer's suggested retail price was collected for each glove tested. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in touch sensitivity for all nerve distributions, with all glove types resulting in less sensitivity than a bare hand. When compared with the non-sterile glove, only the thickest glove tested (Ansell Perry Orthopaedic) was found to have less touch sensitivity. Fine motor dexterity testing revealed no statistically significant differences in time to completion amongst glove types or bare handed performance. In hand-eye coordination testing across treatment conditions, the thickest glove tested (Ansell Perry(®) Orthopaedic) was the only glove to show a statistically significant difference from a bare hand. There were statistically significant differences in glove comfort ratings across glove types, with latex-free, powder-free (Cardinal Esteem(®)), and latex powder-free (Mölnlycke-Biogel(®)) rated highest; however, there were no statistically significant differences in subjective performance ratings across glove types. CONCLUSIONS: Given the observed similarities in touch sensitivity and psychomotor performance associated with five different glove types, our results suggest that subjective provider preferences, such as glove comfort, should be balanced against material costs.

Emergency bedside cesarean delivery: lessons learned in teamwork and patient safety.

BACKGROUND: Maternal cardiovascular and pulmonary events during labor and delivery may result in adverse maternal and fetal outcome. Potential etiologies include primary cardiac events, pulmonary embolism, eclampsia, maternal hemorrhage, and adverse medication events. Remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia is an alternative when conventional neuraxial analgesia for labor is contraindicated. Although remifentanil is a commonly used analgesic, its use for labor analgesia is not clearly defined. CASE PRESENTATION: We present an unexpected and unique case of remifentanil toxicity resulting in the need for an emergent bedside cesarean delivery. A 30-year-old G3P2 woman receiving subcutaneous heparin anticoagulation due to a recent deep vein thrombosis developed cardiopulmonary arrest during labor induction due to remifentanil toxicity. CONCLUSION: A rapid discussion among the attending obstetric, anesthesia, and nursing teams resulted in consensus to perform an emergent bedside cesarean delivery resulting in an excellent fetal outcome. During maternal cardiopulmonary arrest, a prompt decision to perform a bedside cesarean delivery is essential to avoid significant maternal and fetal morbidity. Under these conditions, rapid collaboration among obstetric, anesthesia, and nursing personnel, and an extensive multi-layered safety process are integral components to optimize maternal and fetal outcomes.

Looking into learning: visuospatial and psychomotor predictors of ultrasound-guided procedural performance.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Despite widespread use of ultrasound in regional anesthesia, little understanding of the psychomotor and visuospatial skills required to achieve and maintain procedural proficiency exists. Despite its procedural nature, anesthesiology lags behind other fields in assessing technical aptitude among practitioners and trainees. The goals of this study were to measure relevant visuospatial and psychomotor aptitudes of anesthesia residents-in-training and to evaluate the relationship between these skill sets and the performance of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia. METHODS: Forty residents from the Mayo Clinic Department of Anesthesiology were enrolled, and 39 (PGY-1 through PGY-4) voluntarily completed a demographic survey, 4 psychomotor and 4 visuospatial aptitude assessments, and an ultrasound-based performance assessment. RESULTS: The Block Design Test, a subtest of the Wechsler Adult Intelligent Scale - III, correlated with ultrasound guided skill performance (correlation coefficient, 0.47; P < 0.002). By contrast, psychomotor aptitude assessments did not correlate with ultrasound task performance. Psychomotor skill performance was significantly reduced by indirect hand-eye coordination visual feedback (projected image) compared with direct hand-eye coordination (P < 0.001). A learning effect was observed between the first and second ultrasound skill task attempts and was independent of hand dominance. DISCUSSION: This study reveals that visuospatial aptitude is a better predictor of ultrasound-based procedural performance than psychomotor ability. The type of real-time visual feedback (indirect versus direct) used for hand-eye coordination significantly impacts procedural performance and has implications for anesthesia and other procedural specialties. The learning effect noted during initial ultrasound skill trials suggests visuospatial assimilation and underscores the importance of early ultrasound instruction.

Perioperative nerve injury after total shoulder arthroplasty: assessment of risk after regional anesthesia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: One of the most debilitating complications after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is perioperative nerve injury (PNI). Interscalene blockade (ISB) improves clinical outcomes after TSA, but it may increase the risk for PNI. The objective of this large-scale, single-institution cohort study was to test the hypothesis that the use of ISB increases the risk for PNI after elective TSA. METHODS: All patients 18 years and older and undergoing primary elective TSA at Mayo Clinic Rochester between 1993 and 2007 were identified. The primary outcome was the presence of new PNI documented within 3 months of the procedural date. The frequency of PNI was summarized using point estimates, along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) that were calculated using the Poisson approximation. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate potential risk factors for PNI. RESULTS: A total of 1569 patients underwent elective TSA during the study period; 35 cases met criteria for PNI. The overall incidence of PNI was 2.2% (95% CI, 1.6%-3.1%). Use of ISB was associated with reduced odds for PNI (odds ratio [OR], 0.47; 95% CI, 0.24-0.93; P = 0.031). Sex (OR, 0.85; P = 0.645) and operative time (OR, 1.07 per 30-minute increase; P = 0.263) were not associated with PNI. Most patients with PNI (97%) experienced complete or partial neurologic recovery at last documentation. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of PNI (2.2%) is consistent with previous estimates in patients undergoing TSA. The use of ISB did not increase the risk for PNI. Most patients with PNI had improvement of their neurologic symptoms. These results further support the use of ISB analgesia for patients undergoing TSA.

Safe and individualized labor analgesia: A review of the current options.

Although some women want to experience childbirth without medications, most women in the United States labor with an epidural or spinal analgesic. Epidurals provide relatively consistent pain relief, are long-lasting, can be titrated according to the analgesic needs of the mother, and can be bolused for procedures such as forceps, vacuum, or cesarean delivery. But they can have undesirable side effects including lower-extremity motor block, hypotension, urinary retention, and pruritus, and they may increase the risk for a slightly prolonged labor, a forceps or vacuum delivery, and fever during labor. This article describes the current thinking regarding labor analgesia and how anesthesiologists and obstetricians can help women have a birth experience that is both safe and satisfying.

Neurologic complications after chlorhexidine antisepsis for spinal anesthesia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recent reports of infectious complications after neuraxial procedures highlight the importance of scrupulous aseptic technique. Although chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) has several advantages over other antiseptic agents; including a more rapid onset of action, an extended duration of effect, and rare bacterial resistance, it is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use before lumbar puncture because of absence of clinical safety evidence. The objective of this retrospective cohort study was to test the hypothesis that the incidence of neurologic complications associated with spinal anesthesia after CHG skin antisepsis is not different than the known incidence of neurologic complications associated with spinal anesthesia. METHODS: All patients 18 years or older who underwent spinal anesthesia at Mayo Clinic Rochester from 2006 to 2010 were identified. The primary outcome variable was the presence of any new or progressive neurologic deficit documented within 7 days of spinal anesthesia. The etiology of a patient's neurologic complication was independently categorized as possibly or unlikely related to the spinal anesthetic by 3 investigators. Consensus among all reviewers was required for final category assignment. RESULTS: A total of 11,095 patients received 12,465 spinal anesthetics during the study period. Overall, 57 cases (0.46%; 95% confidence interval, 0.34%-0.58%) met criteria for neurologic complication. Spinal anesthesia was felt to be the possible etiology of 5 neurologic complications (0.04%; 95% confidence interval, 0.00%-0.08%); all completely resolved within 30 days. DISCUSSION: The incidence of neurologic complications possibly associated with spinal anesthesia (0.04%) after CHG skin antisepsis is consistent with previous reports of neurologic complications after spinal anesthesia. These results support the hypothesis that CHG can be used for skin antisepsis before spinal placement without increasing the risk of neurologic complications attributed to the spinal anesthetic.

Perioperative nerve injury after total hip arthroplasty: regional anesthesia risk during a 20-year cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative nerve injury (PNI) is a recognized complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA). Regional anesthesia (RA) techniques may increase the risk of neurologic injury. Using a retrospective cohort study, the authors tested the hypothesis that use of RA increases the risk for PNI after elective THA. METHODS: All adult patients who underwent elective THA at Mayo Clinic during a 20-yr period were included. The primary outcome was the presence of a new PNI within 3 months of surgery. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate patient, surgical, and anesthetic risk factors for PNI. RESULTS: Of 12,998 patients undergoing THA, 93 experienced PNI (incidence = 0.72%; 95% CI 0.58-0.88%). PNI was not associated with type of anesthesia (OR = 0.72 for neuraxial-combined vs. general; 95% CI 0.46-1.14) or peripheral nerve blockade (OR = 0.65; 95% CI 0.34-1.21). The risk for PNI was associated with younger age (OR = 0.79 per 10-yr increase; 95% CI 0.69-0.90), female gender (OR = 1.72; 95% CI 1.12-2.64), longer operations (OR = 1.10 per 30-min increase; 95% CI 1.03-1.18) or posterior surgical approach (OR = 1.91 vs. anterior approach; 95% CI 1.22-2.99). Neurologic recovery was not influenced by the use of RA techniques in patients with PNI. CONCLUSIONS: The risk for PNI after THA was not increased with the use of neuraxial anesthesia or peripheral nerve blockade. Neurologic recovery in patients who experienced PNI was not affected by the use of RA. These results support the use of RA techniques in patients undergoing elective THA given their known functional and clinical benefits.

Infectious complications of regional anesthesia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Regional anesthesia is commonly used to provide intraoperative anesthesia and postoperative analgesia. Potential complications of both neuraxial and peripheral regional techniques include infectious sequelae. This review examines important components of practice that are known to minimize the risk of infection associated with regional anesthesia. RECENT FINDINGS: Healthcare-associated infections increase morbidity and mortality, patient pain and suffering, direct medical costs, and hospital length-of-stay. Recently published national guidelines from subspecialty societies and government agencies emphasize the importance of strict aseptic technique in the prevention of infectious complications associated with regional anesthesia. Proper hand hygiene, the use of surgical masks, appropriate antiseptic selection and application, and proper preparation of local anesthetic infusate solutions are all considered essential components of asepsis. Anesthesia providers need to adhere to strict aseptic guidelines to minimize the risk of potentially devastating infectious complications. SUMMARY: Infectious complications associated with regional anesthesia are exceedingly rare events. Adherence to strict aseptic guidelines as published by the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiologists, and the Royal College of Anaesthetists may reduce the risk of infectious complications.