Surgeons influence the introduction and development of anesthesia in many ways. Robert Emmett Farr is frequently cited as the first to describe the use of brachial plexus anesthesia in children. A surgeon based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he passionately believed that regional anesthesia was superior to general anesthesia for many surgical procedures. He wrote extensively promoting other regional techniques, including local infiltration of local anesthetics for pyloromyotomy and harelip repairs, as well as caudal blocks for lower abdominal procedures. Anesthesia texts from the early 1900's suggest that regional anesthesia was not popular as a reliable alternative to general anesthesia. Undeterred, Farr continued promoting his view that regional anesthesia was the future of surgery. We examine how Farr promoted regional anesthesia in children and adults, in a way changing surgical practice and improving clinical care. We also hope to highlight the other contributions to medicine made by this pioneer.
Keywords: Robert Emmett Farr; local anesthesia; pediatric anesthesia; regional anesthesia.