Dr. Aaron M. Lipskar, MD

- Pediatric Surgeon, Associate Professor, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Director of The Pediatric and Colorectal Center at Cohen Children’s Medical Center

What was your initial impression when the pediatric anesthesiologists you worked with started doing nerve blocks? Were you open or resistant to the idea?

I thought it was a major step forward for the neoanatal and pediatric surgical patient from the get-go. I was open to the idea from the beginning.

 

What surprised you or what did you like about nerve blocks?

The accuracy of the injections with ultrasound guidance and the speed and efficiency of the blocks were outstanding from early on. I was surprised how quickly practitioners could become proficient and quick with the technique.

 

How did you become a believer in the routine use of regional anesthesia?

Saw the data regarding decreased utilization of narcotics in basic laparoscopic procedures.

 

Do you have any advice for pediatric anesthesiologists trying to convince other surgeons of the benefits of pediatric regional techniques?

To give it a chance and not be a hater. It doesn't slow things down when done correctly and the technology will continue to advance in a way to improve perioperative pain and decrease opioid utilization.