Book excerpt: The 2nd Edition of this popular text is revised and updated to provide the information readers need to deepen their understanding and to better apply regional techniques to the full range of patients, surgical operations, and diagnostic and therapeutic pain procedures. Expert contributors emphasize regional anesthesia and analgesia techniques and their practical clinical application. This edition includes a number of new techniques and the addition of 5 new chapters on facet block, sacroiliac block, superior hypogastric plexus block, infraclavicular block, and cervical, thoracic, and prolonged catheter block. Features new and revised illustrations! Covers upper extremity blocks such as the intersclene and supraclavicular, the stellate ganglion block, the celiac plexus block, and much more. Organises blocks by regions to provide quick and easy access to techniques. Suggests what drugs to use and their dosages to attain the best results. Includes a chapter on local anaesthetic agents and equipment used for regional anaesthesia. Arranges information under 3 headings for easy reference and applications: Perspectives (patient selection criteria and pharmacologic choices), Placement (anatomy, position, needle puncture, and potential problems), and Pearls(tips from experienced practitioners). Features colour illustrations of cross-sectional, gross, and surface anatomy, as well as CT and MRI scans. Presents new chapters on infraclacicular block, cervical epidural block, thoracic epidural block, facet injections, superior hypogastric plexus block, and sacroiliac block.