North Dakota Anesthesia Services

04/28/2026

The ultrasound-guided external oblique intercostal plane block is a regional anesthesia technique used to provide effective analgesia for upper abdominal and thoracic wall surgeries.

The ultrasound-guided external oblique intercostal plane block is a regional anesthesia technique used to provide...

03/24/2026

Joint dislocations are painful injuries that occur when the bones forming a joint are forced out of their normal positions. Commonly affected joints include the shoulder, elbow, fingers, kneecap, and hip.

Joint dislocations are painful injuries that occur when the bones forming a joint are forced out of their normal positions. Commonly affected joints include the shoulder, elbow, fingers, kneecap, and hip. Prompt relocation (also called reduction) is essential to restore normal anatomy, relieve pain,...

02/17/2026

Sedation is commonly used in medical procedures to reduce anxiety, discomfort, and pain while allowing patients to remain responsive or lightly asleep. Physician assistants play an important role in delivering healthcare in many settings, and in some cases, they may be involved in administering or managing sedation.

Before a physician assistant can participate in administering sedation, they must receive specific education in pharmacology...

01/13/2026

The lateral surgical position, where the patient lies on their side with dependent limbs supported, is widely used across multiple surgical specialties and types of surgeries. This position offers enhanced access to and visualization of lateral anatomical structures and the ability to leverage gravity for tissue retraction.

For anesthesiologists and perioperative teams, understanding which procedures use the lateral position helps anticipate physiologic...

12/15/2025

Current medical literature supports nutrition optimization, exercise, inflammation reduction, microbiome support, and targeted micronutrient therapy as key methods for improving immune readiness prior to surgery.

Current medical literature supports nutrition optimization, exercise, inflammation reduction, microbiome support,...

07/14/2025

Safe pain management for pregnant patients poses a unique clinical challenge due to physiological changes, fetal considerations, and ethical constraints on pharmacological intervention. Whether in the postoperative period or managing chronic non-operative pain, pregnant patients require tailored strategies that prioritize parental comfort and fetal safety.

Safe pain management for pregnant patients poses a unique clinical challenge due to physiological changes, fetal considerations, and ethical constraints on pharmacological intervention. Whether in the postoperative period or managing chronic non-operative pain, pregnant patients require tailored str...

12/17/2024

Anesthesia has played a pivotal role in advancing patient safety, transforming the landscape of surgery and critical care. The field has placed patient safety at its core, exemplified by innovations in monitoring, drug development, training, and guidelines. Anesthesia’s contributions to patient safety extend from the operating room to postoperative care, helping to reduce complications and improve outcomes for patients across all age groups and risk levels.

Anesthesia has played a pivotal role in advancing patient safety, transforming the landscape of surgery and critical care.

11/25/2024

Succinylcholine is a widely used neuromuscular blocking agent in anesthesia, valued for its rapid onset and short duration of action. It has historically been the agent of choice for facilitating endotracheal intubation during general anesthesia and in emergency situations requiring rapid airway management. However, despite its clinical advantages, succinylcholine is associated with several side effects, including postoperative myalgia.

Despite its clinical advantages, succinylcholine is associated with several side effects, including postoperative myalgia (POM).

10/11/2024

The pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block is a relatively new and innovative regional anesthesia technique primarily used for hip surgery and pain management. The

The pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block is a new and innovative regional anesthesia technique primarily used for hip surgery and pain management, offering targeted pain relief while preserving mobility, which reduces the need for systemic analgesics like opioids.

08/20/2024

To safely maintain oxygenation and circulation during anesthesia, practitioners must consider the hemodynamic effects of different anesthetics.

To maintain oxygenation and circulation during anesthesia, practitioners must consider the hemodynamic effects of different anesthetics.

07/15/2024

In the modern operating room, a critical piece of equipment that ensures patient safety is the anesthesia machine.

06/17/2024

Spinal cord stimulators have emerged as an innovative treatment option for chronic pain management.

A spinal cord stimulator is primarily used for patients with chronic pain conditions that have not responded to conventional treatments.