Do you get put under for elbow surgery? Anesthesia Options Explained

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

While a majority of upper extremity surgeries are performed on an ambulatory basis, the type of anesthesia used varies significantly [1.2.5]. When asking, 'Do you get put under for elbow surgery?', the answer depends on several factors, including your health and the specific procedure [1.2.1].

Quick Summary

Patients undergoing elbow surgery may receive general anesthesia, regional anesthesia (like a nerve block), or a combination of both. The final decision is made by the patient, surgeon, and anesthesiologist based on the surgery's complexity and patient health.

Key Points

Not Always: Patients undergoing elbow surgery are not always put under general anesthesia; regional nerve blocks are a common alternative [1.2.2].
Anesthesia Types: The main options include general anesthesia (fully asleep), regional anesthesia (numbing the arm), or a combination of both [1.2.1].
Decision Factors: The choice depends on the surgery's complexity, the patient's health, and shared decision-making between the patient, surgeon, and anesthesiologist [1.2.3, 1.6.5].
Nerve Blocks: Regional anesthesia for the arm, called a brachial plexus block, provides excellent pain relief both during and for many hours after surgery [1.2.3].
Patient Experience: With a nerve block, you can be awake or lightly sedated, but you will not see the surgery or feel pain in your arm [1.2.1].
Recovery Benefits: Regional anesthesia often leads to faster recovery, less nausea, and a lower need for opioid pain medications compared to general anesthesia [1.3.5].
Safety: Both methods are safe, but each carries its own set of risks and benefits that your anesthesiologist will discuss with you [1.3.8, 1.4.5].

Understanding Anesthesia for Elbow Surgery

When preparing for elbow surgery, one of the most common questions patients have is about the type of anesthesia they will receive. The answer is not a simple yes or no. For elbow procedures, patients have several options, and the choice is a collaborative decision made by the patient, the surgeon, and the anesthesiologist [1.2.1]. The primary goal is to ensure the patient is safe, comfortable, and pain-free during and after the operation.

The main types of anesthesia used for elbow surgery are general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, and local anesthesia, often supplemented with sedation [1.2.1]. The selection depends on the nature and length of the surgery, the patient's overall health and medical history, and the preferences of everyone involved [1.2.3, 1.6.6]. For instance, a complex procedure like a total elbow replacement may necessitate general anesthesia, while a minor soft tissue repair might be suitable for a regional block [1.3.3, 1.3.4].

General Anesthesia: Being 'Put Under'

General anesthesia induces a state of controlled unconsciousness, meaning you are completely asleep and unaware during the procedure [1.3.1]. A ventilator is used to assist with breathing [1.3.1]. This method is often chosen for longer, more complex surgeries or based on patient preference [1.3.8]. While modern medications have reduced the likelihood of side effects like nausea and grogginess, they can still occur [1.2.3]. Recovery from general anesthesia may be longer compared to other types, and it's recommended to have someone with you for the first 24 hours post-surgery [1.3.8, 1.5.5].

Regional Anesthesia: Numbing the Arm

Regional anesthesia, specifically a peripheral nerve block, is a very common and effective technique for elbow surgery [1.7.7]. An anesthesiologist uses ultrasound guidance to inject numbing medication near the network of nerves that supply feeling to your arm, known as the brachial plexus [1.4.3, 1.2.1]. This makes your entire arm numb, from the shoulder down, providing excellent pain control both during and after the surgery [1.2.3].

Common types of nerve blocks for elbow surgery include:

Supraclavicular Block: Injected above the collarbone, this block numbs the entire arm, making it very effective for elbow, forearm, and hand surgery [1.2.4].
Infraclavicular Block: Administered below the collarbone, this also provides good anesthesia for the elbow, forearm, and hand [1.2.4].
Axillary Block: The injection is given in the armpit and is suitable for procedures on the elbow, forearm, and hand [1.2.1].

One of the biggest advantages of regional anesthesia is superior postoperative pain relief, often lasting from 1 to 24 hours, which reduces the need for opioid pain medications [1.2.3, 1.3.5]. Patients often remain awake or are given light sedation (sometimes called 'twilight sedation') to relax [1.2.3, 1.5.5]. Even if you are awake, a sterile drape will block your view of the surgery [1.2.1]. Sometimes, a regional block is combined with general anesthesia to manage post-operative pain [1.2.1].

Factors Influencing the Decision

The choice between general and regional anesthesia is based on a thorough evaluation and discussion with your medical team. Key factors include [1.6.1, 1.6.5]:

Type and Duration of Surgery: More invasive or longer procedures may favor general anesthesia.
Patient's Medical History: Pre-existing conditions, especially respiratory or cardiac issues, can influence the choice. Regional anesthesia may be preferred to avoid airway manipulation [1.3.8, 1.6.5].
Patient Preference and Anxiety: A patient's comfort level and personal choice are significant factors. Some prefer to be completely unconscious [1.3.8, 1.6.2].
Surgeon and Anesthesiologist Recommendation: Their experience and judgment are crucial to a safe outcome.

Comparison of Anesthesia Types


Feature	General Anesthesia	Regional Anesthesia (Nerve Block)
Patient State	Completely unconscious, requires breathing tube [1.3.1]	Awake or lightly sedated; arm is numb [1.2.1]
Pain Control	Requires post-operative pain medication as it wears off [1.3.8]	Provides extended pain relief (1-24 hours) after surgery [1.2.3]
Recovery	Longer recovery time; potential side effects like nausea, grogginess [1.3.8, 1.5.5]	Faster recovery, less nausea, and reduced need for opioids [1.2.3, 1.3.5]
Risks	Cardiovascular/respiratory stress, sore throat [1.3.8, 1.5.5]	Though rare, risks include nerve injury, bleeding, or infection at the injection site [1.4.3, 1.4.5]
Best For	Long/complex surgeries, patient preference for being asleep [1.3.8]	Many elbow procedures, enhanced post-op pain management, avoiding GA risks [1.3.3, 1.3.4]

Conclusion

So, do you get put under for elbow surgery? Not always. While general anesthesia is an option, regional anesthesia in the form of a nerve block is a highly effective and widely used alternative that offers significant benefits for pain management and recovery [1.3.6]. The development of ultrasound-guided techniques has made these blocks very safe and precise [1.4.3]. Ultimately, you will have a detailed discussion with your anesthesiologist to review your medical history, discuss the options, and jointly decide on the safest and most comfortable plan for your specific procedure [1.2.1].

For more information on anesthetic options, you can consult authoritative resources such as the American Society of Anesthesiologists: https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/

Frequently Asked Questions

Both general anesthesia and regional anesthesia (nerve blocks) are common. The use of regional blocks for upper extremity surgery is a cornerstone of modern orthopedic practice due to benefits like superior pain control [1.3.6, 1.7.5].

You can be. Patients may choose to be awake, lightly sedated, or fully asleep with a general anesthetic in addition to the block. A sterile drape will always prevent you from seeing the operation [1.2.3].

Depending on the specific medication used, a nerve block can provide pain relief for anywhere from 1 to 24 hours after the surgery is complete [1.2.3].

You will likely receive IV medication to help you relax and feel comfortable during the block placement. While you might feel some discomfort, it is generally not a painful procedure [1.2.3]. Anesthesiologists often use a small amount of local anesthetic to numb the skin first [1.2.3].

Advantages include better postoperative pain relief, less need for narcotic pain medicine, faster recovery from anesthesia, less nausea, and for some surgeries, less blood loss and risk of blood clots [1.2.3, 1.3.5].

Yes, your preference is a key factor in the decision-making process. The final choice is made together by you, your surgeon, and your anesthesiologist after discussing the risks and benefits of each option for your specific situation [1.2.1, 1.6.2].

As the nerve block wears off, you will gradually regain feeling and muscle control in your arm, and pain will likely increase. It is important to begin taking your prescribed oral pain medication before the block wears off completely to stay ahead of the pain [1.5.3, 1.5.4].