Use of catheters in the postoperative patient.

Continuous peripheral nerve block has been shown to be superior to traditional opioid-based analgesia in terms of improved analgesia with reduced sedation, nausea, pruritis, and hospital stay. Because of its safety and efficacy, continuous peripheral nerve block has broad application in ambulatory and pediatric patients. Techniques for continuous peripheral nerve block have advanced significantly in the past decade, particularly as a result of affordable, high-resolution ultrasound equipment that permits rapid and successful administration and results in reduced procedure-related pain, lower dose requirements, and fewer vascular punctures. Continuous peripheral nerve block is associated with some limitations, including infection, neurologic injury, local anesthetic toxicity, and patient falls. The benefits of continuous peripheral nerve block are becoming increasingly relevant in the ambulatory surgery setting where more complex procedures are being performed on an outpatient basis.