POCUS in Anaesthesia
Overview
Point-of-care ultrasound has transformed perioperative care, from pre-operative gastric content assessment to real-time regional nerve block guidance and post-operative lung assessment. This guide covers the key anaesthetic applications of handheld ultrasound.
Founder & Clinical Director, Ultrascan Technologies
15 October 2025 - 9 min read
Dr. Yahya Docrat, MBChB
Founder and Clinical Director at Ultrascan Technologies. Anaesthesiologist and POCUS educator with clinical practice across South Africa.
Key Clinical Points
Gastric antrum assessment identifies full or empty stomach pre-operatively
Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks increase success rates and reduce local anaesthetic volumes
Tracheal and airway ultrasound can confirm endotracheal tube placement
IVC assessment guides intraoperative fluid management decisions
Post-operative lung scanning detects atelectasis and new pleural effusions
Vascular access under real-time guidance significantly reduces complications
Related Specialties
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