​REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA

Dr Vanza has a strong interest in regional anaesthesia, a technique that involves the precise placement of local anaesthetic around specific nerves using ultrasound guidance. This targeted approach provides effective pain relief and is commonly used alongside general anaesthesia to improve patient comfort and outcomes.
Benefits of regional anaesthesia (nerve blocks) include:

• Minimal or no pain upon waking from general anaesthesia
• A lighter general anaesthetic, resulting in less post-operative drowsiness, nausea, or vomiting
• Reduced need for opioid pain medications after surgery
  
  

In addition to his clinical work, Dr Vanza is actively involved in education and training in regional anaesthesia. He regularly teaches anaesthetic trainees at St George Hospital and has extended his teaching to emergency physicians within the hospital’s Emergency Department.

He has also contributed to the education of consultant anaesthetists through various national and local workshops, including:
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• Head Coordinator, Regional Anaesthesia Workshops, ANZCA Annual Scientific Meeting – 2018 and 2023
• Facilitator, Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) Regional Anaesthesia Workshop – September 2019
• Lead Organiser, St George Hospital Regional Anaesthesia Workshop – June 2016
• Facilitator, Macquarie University Hospital Cadaver Course – 2016