Yasuko Nagasaka, M.D., Ph.D.
Congress President of the 13th Annual Meeting of Japanese Society of Regional Anesthesia
Professor in Anesthesia,
Tokyo Women’s Medical University and Graduate School, School of Medicine
Chair and Director of the Department of Anesthesia,
Tokyo Women’s Medical University Hospital
Welcome to the 13th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Regional Anesthesia!
This academic society has been at the forefront of regional anesthesia, sharing the latest advancements with Japan and the world. Through its certification exams, it has helped standardize and enhance the quality of regional anesthesia provided by its members. Additionally, since its inception, it has played a crucial role as a platform for presenting foundational research in the field. We are getting more and more excited to host this the annual meeting.
With the advancement of medical science, healthcare has also evolved. Pain that was once untreatable can now be alleviated, and the options for anesthesia have expanded significantly. However, despite progress in acute care medicine, many perioperative challenges remain unresolved. As anesthesiologists striving to provide better medical care, our quest to address both the physical and emotional aspects of pain is never-ending.
With an increasing number of patients with multiple comorbidities undergoing surgery or invasive treatments and examinations, the role of anesthesiologists has also diversified. We now face specific challenges such as managing severe organ dysfunction, preserving cognitive function in elderly patients, and implementing prehabilitation for frailty. Regional anesthesia, which has made remarkable advancements in recent years, holds the potential to significantly improve patient safety, comfort, and overall outcomes.
Therefore, we have chosen the theme for this year’s conference: "Venturing back to the roots of regional anesthesia – honing our skills for our patients"
Beyond the fields of anesthesiology, pain management, and palliative care, this conference will explore the foundational knowledge and techniques of regional anesthesia, including anatomy and orthopedic surgery. It is designed as an opportunity to gain wisdom from experts through a multifaceted approach. We hope that all participants will find this meeting valuable in advancing their expertise in regional anesthesia and refining their skills.