The role of regional block versus parenteral analgesics in patient management with special emphasis on the treatment of postoperative pain.

Based upon a series of clinico-physiological investigations, the usefulness of regional anaesthetic techniques such as extradural, intercostal and splanchnic blocks are stressed. Main emphasis is put on the relief of postoperative pain after some common types of operations such as prostatectomies, total hip replacements and cholecystectomies. Compared with parenteral analgesics, regional anaesthetic techniques offer several advantages such as a more favourable situation of oxygen transport and a more effective treatment of pain without depressing the sensorium.