What is a potential complication of performing a local anesthetic nerve block?

Hematoma formation is a potential complication of performing a local anesthetic nerve block due to the needle’s passage through or near blood vessels during the procedure. When a needle inadvertently punctures a blood vessel, it can lead to bleeding in the surrounding tissues, which results in a collection of blood that forms a hematoma. This not only may lead to localized swelling and discomfort but can also compress surrounding structures, leading to additional complications.

While nerve damage, prolonged anesthesia, and skin irritation can occur with local anesthetics, they are generally less common compared to hematoma formation. Nerve damage is usually rare and more associated with deep or inappropriate technique, whereas prolonged anesthesia is typically a concern with the choice of agent or technique rather than a direct complication of the block. Skin irritation may happen but is often a minor issue compared to the management required for a hematoma. Thus, hematoma formation stands out as a direct and tangible consequence of the technical aspects of administering a nerve block.