Need for The Course

Regional interventions for surgical procedures and pain management have earned their place in day to day practice from the large evidence-based realisation of the decreased incidence of chronic postsurgical pain and improved functional outcomes. The relative indications for peripheral nerve blocks have infinitely multiplied to cater to the increased number of patients with significant comorbid conditions coming for surgeries, demanding safe and fast recovery with adequate postoperative analgesia, and avoiding the dreaded complications of General Anaesthesia.

Role of US guidance in RA

The introduction of ultrasound has revolutionised the day to day practice of regional anaesthesia over the past 20 years. It has enabled clinicians not only to identify the nerves and perform blocks but also to avoid injury and complications to the surrounding structures. Ultrasound allows us to delineate various layers and facial compartments around the nerves, where the deposition of local anaesthetic into these compartments has proven to improve the incidence of block success and further reduce complications. USG guidance enables a meticulous block technique which is less traumatic, gaining a benefit, especially with the widespread use of prophylactic and therapeutic use of antiplatelets and anticoagulants.

Need for formal training in UGRA

Performance of Ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia requires specific knowledge about the equipment and the ability to interpret the three-dimensional anatomy from the two-dimensional cross-sectional image.  Once an optimal image of the target is obtained, the performer should develop the skill of negotiating the needle to the target without injuring the surrounding structures. Performing regional techniques without proper knowledge of image generation, pattern recognition and needling skills, ultrasound guidance can be more dangerous than blind techniques. Hence a formal training in US-guided RA is an urgent need for the present day anaesthesiologist.

The Department of anaesthesiology at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute, affiliated with Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University, is dedicated to the promotion and use of ultrasound-guided interventions. The department has experienced and enthusiastic faculties, who are also actively involved in conducting workshops across India. The courses have been exclusively designed to impart specific knowledge and skills set required to safely and effectively perform the Ultrasound-guided regional anaesthetic techniques.

Duration of the course:

This fellowship consists of one year course (March to February), with a structured curriculum involving theory modules, cadaveric dissections, phantom training and a dedicated rigorous clinical exposure to regional anaesthesia cases along with regular competency assessments during the course.

Eligibility

•  Candidates should have completed a basic medical degree and post-graduate training in Anaesthesia which is recognised by MCI, or the equivalent in their home country.
•  Candidates who have trained outside of India should obtain temporary medical registration from Indian Medical Council.
•  Prior experience in the performance of ultrasound-guided nerve blocks is preferred.