A prospective survey of 736 French anesthesiologists reported 98 severe complications following regional anesthesia, including 32 cardiac arrests and 34 neurologic complications. Spinal anesthesia was associated with a significantly higher incidence of cardiac arrest (6.4 per 10,000 patients) compared to other regional techniques (1.0 per 10,000 patients). Neurologic complications, such as radiculopathy and cauda equina syndrome, were also more common after spinal anesthesia (6 per 10,000 cases) than after other techniques (1.6 per 10,000 cases). Most neurologic complications were linked to paresthesia during needle placement or pain during injection, suggesting nerve trauma or intraneural injection. Hyperbaric lidocaine use was associated with a higher incidence of neurologic injury. Seizures were more frequent after peripheral nerve blocks than epidural anesthesia. The study found that the incidence of serious complications related to regional anesthesia was very low, but spinal anesthesia was associated with a higher risk of cardiac arrest and neurologic injury. The study highlights the importance of careful monitoring and proper technique in regional anesthesia to minimize complications. The findings suggest that while regional anesthesia is generally safe, spinal anesthesia carries a higher risk of serious complications. The study also emphasizes the need for further research to better understand the risks associated with different regional anesthesia techniques.A prospective survey of 736 French anesthesiologists reported 98 severe complications following regional anesthesia, including 32 cardiac arrests and 34 neurologic complications. Spinal anesthesia was associated with a significantly higher incidence of cardiac arrest (6.4 per 10,000 patients) compared to other regional techniques (1.0 per 10,000 patients). Neurologic complications, such as radiculopathy and cauda equina syndrome, were also more common after spinal anesthesia (6 per 10,000 cases) than after other techniques (1.6 per 10,000 cases). Most neurologic complications were linked to paresthesia during needle placement or pain during injection, suggesting nerve trauma or intraneural injection. Hyperbaric lidocaine use was associated with a higher incidence of neurologic injury. Seizures were more frequent after peripheral nerve blocks than epidural anesthesia. The study found that the incidence of serious complications related to regional anesthesia was very low, but spinal anesthesia was associated with a higher risk of cardiac arrest and neurologic injury. The study highlights the importance of careful monitoring and proper technique in regional anesthesia to minimize complications. The findings suggest that while regional anesthesia is generally safe, spinal anesthesia carries a higher risk of serious complications. The study also emphasizes the need for further research to better understand the risks associated with different regional anesthesia techniques.