Changing trends and regional anesthesia practices in Turkey

Yavuz Gürkan1, Alparslan Kus1, Can Aksu1, Cigdem Ohtaroglu2, Mine Solak1, Kamil Toker1

1Medical Faculty Of Kocaeli University, Department Of Anesthesiology And Reanimation, Kocaeli, Türkiye
2Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty Of Istanbul University, Department Of Anesthesiology And Reanimation, İstanbul, Turkey

Keywords: Turkey, Regional Anesthesia, Survey, Ultrasound

Abstract

Objectives: Introduction of ultrasound into regional anesthesia (RA) practice has resulted in important changes and developments in RA. These developments had influence on the way of practice and choice of blocks. The purpose of this study was to have an idea about the instruments used in RA and clinical applications in our country.
Methods: A questionnaire consisting of 10 questions were distributed to the participants of National RA Congress in 2011. Besides demographic data, RA techniques used and the method of nerve location was questioned. Participants were asked whether they were satisfied with their training in RA and if they participated a RA course.
Results: 95 participants filled the forms. Spinal anesthesia was the most commonly performed technique. Peripheral nerve blocks constitute only 12% of RA practice. Axillary block was the most commonly performed peripheral nerve block. The most commonly used nerve localization methods were nerve stimulation and ultrasound subsequently. 58% of the participants were not satisfied with their RA training and 50% participated a course for continuing medical education.
Conclusion: Nerve stimulation is the mostly performed method and US is increasingly used. The most commonly performed blocks are central neuroaxial blocks. There is still room for improvement in RA training.