Regional Anesthesia in the Burn Trauma Patient

Purpose of Review: This review will highlight early use of regional anesthesia for facilitating analgesia as both an adjunct and primary role in perioperative care of burned patients. Recent Findings: Burn patients are at risk of serious long-term medical and psychiatric consequences related to untreated pain. There is growing evidence that regional anesthesia is an acceptable and important modality in burn patients. Summary: Regional anesthesia provides many benefits, including a reduction in sedating medications and a model for improved productivity. There is limited data on the use of regional anesthesia for burn patients, but the current literature shows no particular risk with these techniques. The literature continues to support the early and aggressive treatment of burn pain as untreated pain may lead to serious long-term psychiatric and medical consequences. Management of these patients should include regional anesthesia.