Dr. Xavier Capdevila, MD, PhD

Xavier Capdevila, MD, PhD practises as an anesthesiologist at University of Montpellier and Lapeyronie University Hospital in Montpellier, France, with a career centred on regional anesthesia, acute pain medicine and perioperative medicine. He serves as Full Professor and Chair of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine.

Particular areas of attention include continuous peripheral nerve blocks and perineural catheters, acute postoperative pain management and rehabilitation and regional anesthesia for orthopaedic surgery in adults and children. He was appointed Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour.

Anesthesiology covers anaesthesia, perioperative medicine, intensive care and pain management. Dr. Xavier Capdevila is most closely associated with regional anesthesia, acute pain medicine and perioperative medicine.

Key Facts About Dr. Xavier Capdevila

• Full Name And Credentials: Xavier Capdevila, MD, PhD
• Specialty: Anesthesiology
• Subspecialty Focus: Regional anesthesia, acute pain medicine and perioperative medicine
• Current Position: Full Professor and Chair of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
• Institution: University of Montpellier and Lapeyronie University Hospital
• Location: Montpellier, France

Medical Training Record For Dr. Xavier Capdevila

The training record below is drawn from the institutional and society sources listed at the end of this profile.

• Medical Degree: MD, with specialist training in anesthesiology and critical care medicine in France
• Doctorate: PhD in medical sciences
• Academic Appointment: Full Professor of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Montpellier

Clinical Focus Of Dr. Xavier Capdevila

Published professional sources describe the clinical and academic work of Dr. Xavier Capdevila as centred on:

• Continuous peripheral nerve blocks and perineural catheters
• Acute postoperative pain management and rehabilitation
• Regional anesthesia for orthopaedic surgery in adults and children
• Local anesthetic myotoxicity and neurotoxicity
• Perioperative medicine and patient outcomes

Professional Roles And Society Leadership Of Dr. Xavier Capdevila

• Chair and Head, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Lapeyronie University Hospital, Montpellier
• Head of the Emergency Hospital-University Division at the University of Montpellier
• Member of Inserm Unit 1298, Montpellier NeuroSciences Institute
• Past President, French Society of Anaesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, and former President of its Scientific Committee
• Past President, French College of Anesthesiologists and Intensivists
• Former Council Member, European Society of Anaesthesiology
• Executive Handling Editor, Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
• Associate Editor, Anesthesia Critical Care and Pain Medicine, and editorial board member of Anesthesia and Analgesia

Dr. Xavier Capdevila Awards And Distinctions

• Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour, appointed December 2020, in recognition of leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Author of more than 320 original peer-reviewed articles with over 18,500 citations and an h-index of about 70
• Contributor of more than 380 book chapters and more than 480 invited national and international lectures

Practice Location And Affiliation Of Dr. Xavier Capdevila

University of Montpellier and Lapeyronie University Hospital

Montpellier, France. Clinical commitments at this institution are arranged through its departments and preoperative services. Confirm the current street address, department and telephone number with the institution before travelling, because academic appointments and clinic sites change.

Understanding Regional Anesthesia

Regional anesthesia uses targeted injections of local anaesthetic near nerves to numb a specific part of the body, often instead of or alongside general anaesthesia. Ultrasound guidance lets the anesthesiologist see the nerve and the needle in real time, which has made these blocks more precise. For patients this can mean less pain after surgery, lower opioid requirements, less nausea and in many cases a faster return home.

Subspecialty Colleagues Of Dr. Xavier Capdevila

If you are comparing specialists, these anesthesiologists work in closely related areas:

• Dr. Admir Hadzic, regional anesthesia at NYSORA, The New York School of Regional Anesthesia, and Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg
• Dr. Alain Borgeat, regional anesthesia at University of Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital
• Dr. Ban Tsui, regional anesthesia at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen; Adjunct Clinical Professor at Stanford University
• Dr. Edward Mariano, regional anesthesia at Stanford University School of Medicine and VA Palo Alto Health Care System

Browse the full anesthesiologist directory for more specialists.

Referrals, Appointments And Coverage For Dr. Xavier Capdevila

Anesthesiologists are usually brought into a patient’s care by a surgeon, a hospital preoperative clinic or a pain service rather than through direct booking. Insurance participation varies by hospital and by plan, and it changes over time. Check coverage with both the institution and your insurer before scheduling, and ask whether the named anesthesiologist will personally be involved in your care.

Answers To Common Questions About Dr. Xavier Capdevila

Where did Dr. Xavier Capdevila go to medical school?

MD, with specialist training in anesthesiology and critical care medicine in France. Full training details appear in the education section above.

What are the qualifications of Dr. Xavier Capdevila?

Xavier Capdevila, MD, PhD. Full credentials are listed above.

What position does Dr. Xavier Capdevila hold?

Dr. Xavier Capdevila is Full Professor and Chair of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, based at University of Montpellier and Lapeyronie University Hospital.

What does an anesthesiologist do?

An anesthesiologist is a physician who plans and manages anaesthesia and pain control, and who monitors breathing, heart function, circulation and comfort during surgery and recovery. The role also covers preoperative assessment and critical care.

What is regional anesthesia?

Regional Anesthesia is the area of anesthesiology concerned with regional anesthesia, acute pain medicine and perioperative medicine. Clinicians working in this area, including Dr. Xavier Capdevila, aim to make surgery and recovery safer and more comfortable.

Has Dr. Xavier Capdevila received professional recognition?

Yes. Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour, appointed December 2020, in recognition of leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further awards and distinctions are listed above.

Citations And Further Reading On Dr. Xavier Capdevila

• Montpellier University Hospital, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine
• VinUniversity College of Health Sciences faculty profile
• Inserm Montpellier NeuroSciences Institute

Accuracy, Sourcing And Review Date For Dr. Xavier Capdevila

This profile was compiled from the public professional sources listed above, including institutional faculty pages, hospital provider directories and specialty society records. Credentials, appointments and awards were checked against at least two independent sources where available. Last reviewed on 30 October 2026.

Found something out of date? Contact the Find MD Health editorial team and we will review the entry.

Medical Information Notice For Dr. Xavier Capdevila

Information only, not medical advice. Location, specialty, insurance and availability change, so confirm details with University of Montpellier and Lapeyronie University Hospital.