The doctor has recommended that you receive a Stellate Ganglion Block for the treatment of your pain. A Stellate Ganglion Block is an injection of local anesthetic medication around a nerve in the side of your neck. Upon arrival at the surgery center a nurse will escort you to a room where you will change into a gown before entering the procedure room. This is a special room, kept to the highest standards of cleanliness. To reduce the risk of “outside germs” we request that only the surgery center staff accompany you there.
An intravenous line (IV) will be started prior to the procedure, and you will be placed on a monitor that will check your blood pressure, heart rate, and the temperature of your hands. The IV provides an easy route by which to you will receive medication to help you relax and make the procedure as comfortable as possible. You will not be “put to sleep”, and you will be able to respond and move if the doctor or nurse requests you to. The actual injection only takes a few minutes. It is rare for any of our patients to experience significant pain during the procedure, and every effort is made to ensure your comfort.
You will need to stay approximately 30 minutes at the surgery center following the procedure. The medication you received will wear off very quickly. The total time from your arrival at the center to you leaving is approximately 90 minutes. The nurse will inform you of what to expect and how to take care of yourself after you return home. You will also receive these instructions in writing. For safety reasons we request that you do not drive yourself home.
