Purpose of review: Peripheral nerve blocks are effective and safe modalities for perioperative analgesia. But it remains unclear what blocks are adequate for ambulatory surgeries, as well as the proper patient management before and after discharge.
Recent findings: Emerging nerve blocks have sparked interests due to ease to perform under ultrasound guidance and lower risks of adverse events. Some of these novel blocks are particularly suitable for ambulatory procedures, including but not limited to motor-sparing lower extremity nerve blocks and phrenic-sparing nerve blocks for shoulder surgeries. The adoption of peripheral nerve block into outpatient surgery is a multidisciplinary effort that encompasses appropriate patient choice, careful selection of nerve blocks that minimize potential adverse events after discharge, and proper patient follow-up until block effects resolve.
Keywords: Novel peripheral nerve block; Outpatient surgery; Ultrasound guidance.