The nervous blocks reduce the complications and the use of opioids in hip surgery

I still remember when a patient woke up from hip surgery in tears – relief wings. She had been terrified to wake up groggy and overwhelmed by narcotics, a contrast striking with her previous experience. This time, thanks to a regional nervous block, his pain was well controlled. No opioids, no mist, just calm.

This moment made me think about a wider question: do we do enough to personalize anesthesia? Especially for hip surgery, where pain can be intense and the risks of complications are high, the choice of anesthesia could make a big difference.

What we found in research

This question led me, as well as a group of colleagues, to examine the growing body of research comparing general anesthesia (GA) and regional anesthesia (RA) for hip surgeries. In simple terms, GA makes a patient completely unconscious, while the RA blocks pain signals to specific areas of the body, often allowing patients to remain awake or slightly under sedation.

We have examined 11 clinical studies and the results were consistent: patients receiving regional anesthesia experienced better results. They reported lower pain scores, required less opioids and have often reappeared more quickly. In older or high -risk patients, the PR also seemed to reduce the risk of complications such as postoperative delirium and respiratory infections. These results are published in the Journal of anesthesiology and bread medicine.

Nervous blocks that made a difference

Two techniques have stood out in particular: the femoral nervous block (FNB) and the block of the pericapsular nervous group (PEG). A German study revealed that patients who received FNB had more stable blood pressure and used fewer medications after surgery. Another study has shown that the Peng Block made the positioning of the spine more comfortable for patients – an often painful step in the surgical process.

These techniques are not only effective – they are precise. A small volume of local anesthesia, delivered with advice to ultrasound, can considerably reduce the need for an opioid patient during and after surgery.

Compromise

Of course, no technique is without challenges. Regional anesthesia is associated with a slightly higher risk of urinary retention and sometimes longer stays in recovery units. And in some cases – as with patients with complex heart conditions – general anesthesia can always be the best choice.

But what is important is that the two techniques are safe when carried out appropriately. In fact, a large set of data involving more than 60,000 patients has found no significant difference in early mortality between GA and RA. What differs is the patient’s experience, and in many cases, RA offers smoother and more comfortable recovery.

Beyond the technique: a change of perspective

These are more than simple types of anesthesia – this is how we provide care. At a time when the abuse of opioid continues to devastate communities, we must prioritize the strategies that prevent long -term dependence before it begins. Regional anesthesia is one of these strategies.

This approach is particularly precious in contexts with low resources, where general anesthesia may not be available or safe. With portable ultrasound and training, clinicians can perform nervous blocks even in field hospitals or rural clinics, providing effective pain relief with minimum infrastructure.

Why it matters to me

I practice in an area deeply affected by the opioid crisis, and this reality shapes the way I approach patient care. Whenever I place a regional block, I think of more than surgical pain – I think of how we can prevent dependence, improve recovery and preserve dignity.

Ahead

We still need more research – in particular long -term studies examining how PR affects mobility, chronic pain and quality of life. But at present, evidence indicates that regional anesthesia as a safe, efficient and centered patient approach to pain management in hip surgery. Regional anesthesia is increasingly favored for its safety and opioid savings advantages.

If you are a medical student, a pharmacist, a nurse or simply someone curious about safer and more effective surgical care, it is an important conversation. Because the future of medicine is not only to do more – it’s about doing better.

This story is part of Science X Dialog, where researchers can report the results of their published research articles. Visit this page for more information on the Science X dialog box and how to participate.