Protocols vary depending on local standard procedures and the extremity being operated on. A vast majority of practitioners begin by exsanguinating the limb as Bier did with an elastic bandage (Esmarch bandage), squeezing blood proximally toward the heart, then pneumatic tourniquets are applied to the limb and inflated 30mmHg above arterial pressure to occlude all blood vessels and then the elastic bandage is removed. A high dose of local anesthetic, typically lidocaine or prilocaine without adrenaline, is slowly injected as distally as possible into the exsanguinated limb. The veins are filled with the anesthetic, with the anesthetic setting into local tissue after approximately 6–8 minutes, after which the surgery, reduction, or manipulation of the region may begin. It is important that the region is isolated from active blood flow at this time. Analgesic effect typically remains for up to two hours depending on the dosage and type of anesthetic agent being used. The wait time and isolation of blood flow from the region is important for avoiding an overdose of the anesthetic agent in the blood which can lead to hypotension, convulsions, arrhythmia and death. Cardiotoxic local anesthetic agents like bupivacaine and etidocaine are strictly contraindicated.
Intravenous regional anesthesia
Total intravenous anaesthesia
Combined spinal and epidural anaesthesia
Balanced anesthesia
Local anesthesia
General anaesthesia
Saddle anesthesia
Neurosurgical anesthesia