Reviewer: Anja Hergrueter, MD (Yale School of Medicine)
Description: This is the third edition of Hadzic's useful textbook on peripheral nerve blocks and anatomy for ultrasound guided regional anesthesia. Published during the COVID-19 pandemic, this third edition pays special homage to the increased importance and utility of regional anesthesia during the pandemic in efforts to decrease airway manipulation and avoid aerosolization of the virus. Moreover, this edition has been substantially revised to include new developments in regional anesthesia while adding 500 illustrations, ultrasound images, algorithms, and cognitive aids.
Purpose: The purpose of this textbook is to provide a concise description of the most commonly utilized peripheral nerve blocks and frequently encountered clinical situations for a practicing anesthesia provider as well as colleagues in various other medical subspecialities. Owing to its simple format, the textbook is well organized and easy to navigate. Each chapter focuses on a specific block or clinical situation and provides appropriate detail describing well-established techniques, PNB indications, pharmacology, etc.
Audience: This textbook is written for practicing anesthesia providers, whether residents, fellows, SRNAs, CNRAs, or attendings, as well as physicians in various other medical subspecialities such as emergency medicine, PM&R, orthopedic surgery, etc. The many illustrations, photographs, algorithms, and cognitive aids provide an accurate and on-the-spot reference, while the text of the chapters themselves delve into greater detail and ensure comprehensive coverage. This book is perfect for the busy anesthesia resident and fellow, providing an overview of a particular block, including considerations, indications, specific risks, anatomy, block preparation, and technique. Dr. Hadzic and the contributing authors have been at the forefront of regional anesthesia and bring forth their expertise in this third edition.
Features: This textbook begins with a foundational overview of important topics in regional anesthesia including functional anatomy, local anesthetics pharmacology, equipment, ultrasound basics, etc. The remainder of the book is separated into types of blocks based on anatomy, including head and neck, upper extremity, lower extremity, and finally truncal and abdominal wall blocks. Within each chapter, the layout is uniform, which enables quick reference. Moreover, the images, illustrations, and tables are large and feature all salient information. The text in each chapter is concise, with references for further exploration at the end.
Assessment: Due to its concise yet informative nature and fantastic use of images, illustrations, and cognitive aids, this is the perfect reference book when on the go, or for further study when time permits. The layout is intuitive and clear and the imaging is large and detailed. The book reads quickly; however, it always directs the readers in an appropriate direction if more information is needed. Moreover, Dr. Hadzic is arguably one of the most well-known names in regional anesthesia and he, along with the contributors, has published a standout third edition of this textbook for peripheral nerve blocks.
