Regional Anesthesia

Our expertly trained Regional Anesthesiologists work across multiple UCSF sites and surgical specialities to optimize your perioperative experience. Your anesthesiologist works closely with your surgeon to determine if regional anesthesia is indicated for your procedure. Regional anesthesia can result in better surgical outcomes, such as mobility after a joint replacement, and patient experience, such as earlier discharge from improve pain control.

What is regional anesthesia?

Regional anesthesia is a technique used to numb a specific part of the body to prevent pain during and after surgical procedures. Common forms of regional anesthesia include spinal anesthesia, epidural anesthesia, and peripheral nerve blocks, each tailored to the surgical site and patient needs, providing targeted pain relief. Regional anesthesia is particularly beneficial for surgeries on the limbs, abdomen, and lower body, offering effective pain control and often allowing for faster postoperative recovery. Advances in this field have made it a preferred choice for many surgical procedures, contributing to improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.

UCSF is accredited with an ACGME Regional Anesthesiology Fellowship; a testament to our expert faculty, high standards in patient care quality, and involvement in cutting-edge research.