Background: Continuous peripheral nerve blocks (CPNB) have achieved encouraging effects in the management of perioperative pain in recent years. Objective: To offer an updated overview about CPNB in the management of perioperative pain, including the mechanisms, techniques and complications. Content: CPNB can block the conduction of nociceptive impulses to the CNS, prevent the induction of synaptic long-term potentiation and central sensitization in spinal dorsal horn. CPNB have proved effective in reducing perioperative opioid consumption and related side-effects, avoiding the risk of epidural hematoma during anticoagulant administration. Ultrasound guidance and nerve stimulation techniques can be used for catheter insertion, both techniques have to be considered equal if properly used. Ropivacaine and bupivacaine are the most commonly used local anesthetics for CPNB. CPNB are safe for limbs, body surgery and trauma, ambulatory or home patient. Common complications of CPNB include catheter obstruction, dislodgement, fluid leakage, transient adverse neurologic symptoms and infection. Trend: Future researches need to optimize the catheter insertion technique, local anesthetic delivery regimen and duration of CPNB, more studies focusing on the long-term improvements are needed, such as decreased chronic postoperative pain and improved health-related quality of life.