Fascial plane blocks as the main anesthetic method: A narrative review

Abstract

This narrative review evaluates the efficacy of fascial plane blocks (FPB) as sole anesthetic method for surgery. Particularly in selected high-risk patients, fascial plane blocks may be a more useful and convenient option than general anesthesia or neuraxial anesthesia. In recent years, with the use of ultrasound, newly defined FPBs have emerged and these techniques have become popular. There are case reports in the literature reporting the use of these blocks for anesthesia, but clinical studies are limited and clinicians may be undecided about which block or combination to apply in which case. In this narrative review, which is the first in this field in the literature, we aimed to discuss the use of FPBs and which combinations can be used in which incisions and which surgeries.