Surgeon administered regional blocks for day case forefoot surgery.

Introduction: The aim was to see if as surgeons we were providing safe, efficient and effective, regional blocks for patients undergoing day case, forefoot surgery. We also assessed the costs of, providing this service.

Methods: 63 consecutive patients were recruited prospectively for local anaesthetic block. Blocks were, performed by the orthopaedic team. Efficacy of block was assessed intra-operatively with a visual, analogue score (VAS) of 0-10. Satisfaction with the anaesthetic procedure was also assessed.

Results: Average time to perform the block was 6 min. Mean VAS for knife to skin was 0.44 (95%, confidence 0.07-0.81) and for ankle tourniquet was 1.39 (95% confidence 0.85-1.39). Patients were, highly satisfied with the blocks. No complications were reported.

Conclusions: These blocks are quick and easy to perform by orthopaedic surgeons. They are well, tolerated and effective. They result in considerable cost savings to the Hospital.