Question

What are the advantages of neuraxial anesthesia over general anesthesia for orthopedic surgery?

1) Reduced risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting
2) Lower incidence of deep vein thrombosis
3) Improved postoperative pain control
4) Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay

Answer 1

Neuraxial anesthesia offers advantages over general anesthesia including reduced risk of nausea and vomiting, lower incidence of deep vein thrombosis, improved pain control, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stay.

Step-by-step explanation:

Neuraxial anesthesia, such as spinal or epidural anesthesia, has several advantages over general anesthesia for orthopedic surgery:

1. Reduced risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting: Neuraxial anesthesia affects a smaller area of the body compared to general anesthesia, leading to a lower incidence of nausea and vomiting.
2. Lower incidence of deep vein thrombosis: Neuraxial anesthesia allows patients to move their extremities during surgery, which promotes blood flow and reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis.
3. Improved postoperative pain control: Neuraxial anesthesia provides better pain relief after surgery, allowing patients to recover more comfortably.
4. Faster recovery and shorter hospital stay: Neuraxial anesthesia has been associated with quicker recovery times and shorter hospital stays compared to general anesthesia.