The Importance and Implications of Aseptic Techniques During Regional Anesthesia

The sting in the tail: antiseptics and the neuraxis revisited

“…Specifically, Checketts compared chlorhexidine to povidone-iodine, and concluded that the former should still be used for neuraxial block, since its known neurotoxicity was outweighed by its superiority in reducing surgical site infection [8,9]. Other bodies have drawn the same conclusion, with the Royal College of Anaesthetists, the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the American Society of Regional Anesthesia all recommending its use for central neural blockade [10][11][12].…”

Use of Surgical Facemasks in the Operation Theatre: Effective or Habit?

“…However, this practice is disadvantageous for patients undergoing regional anaesthesia where deficient assessment of lip cyanosis, anxiety, retention of carbon-dioxide and increase in cost restricts the use. It may also be difficult to obtain a good fit with SFMs with an endotracheal tube in situ [8]. Eitherway, during general anaesthesia, higher airborne germ concentration has been detected but this has been attributed to higher activity and number of staff involved causing more air turbulence.…”

“…If the patient has risk factors for a blood borne infection [1,2]. c. By anaesthesiologists when carrying out sterile procedures under full aseptic conditions [8,9]. d. While carrying out procedures that generate splashes or sprays of blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions (e.g.…”

Epidural Analgesia and Lactation

“…These reactions can include hypotension, respiratory compromise, and, in rare cases, seizures and cardiac arrest. Precautions that need to be taken to prevent infection include the removal of jewelry, careful hand washing, the use of a fresh face mask, and disinfection of the patient's back with 2% chlorhexidine in alcohol [7].…”

“…Epidural analgesia is contraindicated in the presence of actual or anticipated serious maternal hemorrhage, refractory maternal hypotension, coagulopathy or anticoagulant medication (e.g., warfarin), untreated bacteremia, increased intracranial pressure, skin or soft tissue infection at the site of the epidural or spinal placement, and anticoagulant therapy [2,7,11].…”