Regional Nerve Blocks for Minor Obstetrics and Gynaecological Procedures

In minor obstetrical and gynaecological procedures such as hysteroscopy, cervical ablation or excision, intrauterine device placement, dilatation and evacuation, perineal repair, part of labour analgesia, and in certain pain conditions such as pudendal neuralgia, vaginismus, anorectal pain, and genital pain, regional anaesthesia has a number of advantages over general anaesthesia. In addition to avoiding systemic drug side effects and airway manipulation, regional anaesthesia promotes quicker healing, better post-operative pain relief, and early hospital discharge. Pudendal nerve blocks and paracervical blocks are commonly performed for minor obstetrical and gynaecological procedures. Blocks can be performed by gynaecologists in outpatient operating rooms using landmark, PNS, or ultrasound guidance.