How is a line block typically performed?

• A. Single infusion site at the center of the incision
• B. Multiple SQ infusion sites where the incision will be
• C. Deep tissue injection along the incision line
• D. Only one SQ infusion site at a distance from the incision

Answer: (B)

A line block is a technique used in regional anesthesia, particularly in invasive procedures involving the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Performing a line block involves infiltrating local anesthetic infiltratively along the incision line, which effectively blocks the nociceptive (pain) pathways from that specific area. This method allows for a larger uninterrupted area of analgesia, which is essential for surgical procedures.

Choosing multiple subcutaneous infusion sites along the entire length of the incision is crucial for achieving adequate anesthesia. Snippets of localized anesthetic deposited systematically create a continuous coverage along the area where the surgical intervention will take place. It ensures that all segments of the incision are sufficiently anesthetized, alleviating any pain during the procedure.

The other options propose alternatives that either do not provide adequate coverage across the entire incision line or place the local anesthetic too far from the area needing anesthesia, thus diminishing the effectiveness of pain control during surgery. The collective goal of using a line block with multiple infusion sites is to achieve comprehensive analgesia where it’s most needed.