Comparison of continuous brachial plexus infusion of butorphanol, mepivacaine and mepivacaine-butorphanol mixtures for postoperative analgesia

We have reported recently that continuous administration of butorphanol into the brachial plexus sheath provided analgesia of a quality superior to that of continuous i.v. administration. In the present study, we have compared postoperative pain relief produced by continuous infusion of one of three types of solution into the axillary sheath: opioid alone, local anaesthetic alone or a mixture of local anaesthetic and opioid. In patients undergoing upper extremity surgery with continuous axillary brachial plexus block, we injected one of the three solutions into the axillary neurovascular sheath: butorphanol 2 mg (group B), 0.5% mepivacaine alone (group M) and 0.5% mepivacaine- butorphanol (group MB); the volume of each solution was 50 ml, administered at a rate of 50 ml per 24 h. At 3 h after operation, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were significantly higher in group M than in group MB (P < 0.01), and higher in group B than in group MB (P < 0.05).      

Interscalene brachial plexus block with continuous intraarticular infusion of ropivacaine

Providing intraarticular analgesia with a continuous infusion of local anesthetic via a disposable infusion pump has gained popularity. Despite the prevalence of this technique, data comparing this method of analgesia to conventional regional anesthesia are not available. We present a prospective study that compared a single-dose interscalene block with a single-dose interscalene block plus continuous intraarticular infusion of local anesthetic. Forty patients scheduled for shoulder arthroscopy were entered in this prospective, double-blinded study. All patients received an interscalene brachial plexus block as their primary anesthetic. Patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: 1. interscalene block with 1.5% mepivacaine (40 mL) followed by a postoperative intraarticular infusion of 0.5% ropivacaine at 2 mL/h, or 2. interscalene block with 0.5% ropivacaine (40 mL) followed by a postoperative intraarticular infusion of 0.9% saline (placebo) at 2 mL/h. Postoperative infusions were maintained for 48 h. Visual analog scale pain scores and postoperative oxycodone consumption were measured for 48 h. Visual analog scale scores at rest and with ambulation in the Mepivacaine/Intraarticular Ropivacaine group were reduced when compared with the Ropivacaine/Saline group (rest: P = 0.003, ambulation: P = 0.006). Oxycodone consumption was also decreased (28 +/- 21 mg vs 44 +/- 28 mg, P = 0.046), respectively. We conclude that a brachial plexus block with 1.5% mepivacaine and a continuous intraarticular infusion of 0.5% ropivacaine at 2 mL/h provides improved analgesia for minor surgery at 24 and 48 h versus a single-injection interscalene block with 0.5% ropivacaine.     

I.v. compared with brachial plexus infusion of butorphanol for postoperative analgesia

In a randomized, double-blind, controlled study, we have comparedtwo groups of patients receiving either continuous systemici.v. or continuous brachial plexus infusion of butorphanol foran algesia after operations on the upper extremities. Twenty-twopatients undergoing elective upper extremity surgery were allocatedrandomly to one of two groups to receive either butorphanoli.v. and saline injected into the brachial plexus sheath (i.v.group) or butorphanol injected into the brachial plexus sheathand saline i.v. (brachial plexus group). After surgery on theupper extremity under continuous axillary brachial plexus block,each patient received a continuous infusion of butor phanoleither i.v. or into the brachial plexus sheath at a dose of83.3 µg h^–1. Concurrently, a saline infusion wasgiven via the alternate route. Patients rated their pain ona 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS). VAS scores in the two groupsdid not differ up to 6 h and 24 h after operation. From 9 huntil 24 h after operation, pain scores were significantly higherin the i.v. group than in the brachial plexus group. The VASscore 9 h after operation was 3.3 (SD 2.7) in the i.v. groupand 0.6 (0.9) in the brachial plexus group (P < 0.01); 12h after operation 2.7 (1 .8) in the i.v. group and 0.6 (0.9)in the brachial plexus group (P < 0.01); 18 h after operation1 .7 (1.0) in the i.v. group and 0.7 (1.0) in the brachial plexusgroup (P < 0.05); and 24 h after operation 3.2 (2.4) in thei.v. group and 0.7 (1.2) in the brachial plexus group (P <0.01). We conclude that continuous injection of butorphanolinto the brachial plexus sheath provided superior analgesiacompared with continuous i.v. injection.     

Interscalene brachial plexus anesthesia and analgesia for open shoulder surgery: a randomized,double-blinded comparison between levobupivacaine and ropivacaine

We compared the onset time and quality of interscalene brachial plexus block produced with levobupivacaine and ropivacaine in 50 patients undergoing open shoulder surgery randomly allocated to receive 30 mL of 0.5% levobupivacaine (n = 25) or 0.5% ropivacaine (n = 25) injected through a 20-gauge catheter placed into the interscalene sheath using a 18-gauge insulated and stimulating Tuohy introducer. The block was also prolonged after surgery using a patient-controlled interscalene analgesia with 0.125% levobupivacaine or 0.2% ropivacaine, respectively (basal infusion rate, 6 mL/h; bolus, 2 mL; lockout period, 15 min; maximum boluses per hour, three). Three patients (two with levobupivacaine [8%] and one with ropivacaine [4%]) failed to achieve surgical block within 45 min after the injection and were excluded. The onset time of surgical block was 20 min (10-40 min) with levobupivacaine and 20 min (5-45 min) with ropivacaine (P = 0.53). Rescue intraoperative analgesia (0.1 mg of fentanyl IV) was required in eight patients in each group (34%) (P = 0.99). Forty-two patients completed the 24-h postoperative infusion (22 with levobupivacaine and 20 with ropivacaine). Postoperative analgesia was similarly effective in both groups. Total consumption of local anesthetic infused during the first 24 h was 147 mL (144-196 mL) with levobupivacaine and 162 mL (144-248 mL) with ropivacaine (P = 0.019), with a ratio between boluses received and requested of 0.8 (0.4-1.0) and 0.7 (0.4-1.0), respectively (P = 0.004). The degree of motor block of the operated limb was deeper with levobupivacaine than ropivacaine when starting postoperative analgesia; however, no further differences in degree of motor function were observed between the two groups. We conclude that 30 mL of levobupivacaine 0.5% induces an interscalene brachial plexus anesthesia of similar onset and intensity as the one produced by the same volume and concentration of ropivacaine. Postoperative interscalene analgesia with 0.125% levobupivacaine results in similar pain relief and recovery of motor function with less volume of local anesthetic than with 0.2% ropivacaine. IMPLICATIONS: This prospective, randomized, double-blinded study demonstrates that 30 mL of 0.5% levobupivacaine produces an interscalene brachial plexus block of similar onset and quality as the one produced by the same volume of 0.5% ropivacaine. When prolonging the block after surgery, 0.125% levobupivacaine provides adequate pain relief and recovery of motor function after open shoulder surgery, with less volume infused during the first 24 h after surgery than 0.2% ropivacaine.     

Continuous blockade of the lumbar plexus after knee surgery: a comparison of the plasma concentrations and analgesic effect of bupivacaine 0.250% and 0.125%

In 20 patients a continuous block of the lumbar plexus was administered after knee-joint surgery, and the analgesic effect of two different concentrations of bupivacaine was compared. The same volume of bupivacaine was given to both groups of patients: a bolus dose of 0.4 ml/kg, 0.5% or 0.25%, followed by infusion of 0.14 ml/kg/h, 0.25% or 0.125%, respectively, via a catheter placed in the neurovascular fascial sheath of the femoral nerve according to the "3-in-1 block" technique. The median morphine consumption during the first 16 h postoperatively was 6.0 mg when bupivacaine 0.5/0.25% was used and 9.5 mg when 0.25/0.125% was used. This difference is not significant. The visual analogue pain scores were also similar in the two groups (P greater than 0.05). All plasma concentrations were below 4 micrograms/ml, the highest concentration measured being 3.6 micrograms/ml. It is concluded that when used for a continuous block of the lumbar plexus after knee-joint surgery, bupivacaine in a concentration of 0.125% offers the same pain relief as a concentration of 0.25%, and the risk of toxic reactions is reduced.     

Effective analgesia with ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block for postoperative pain control after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

Purpose

Ultrasound (US)-guided continuous interscalene brachial plexus block (CBPB) is known to provide effective pain relief for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. This study was conducted to compare analgesic efficacy and forearm muscle tone of the basal infusion rate and bolus dose of 0.2 % ropivacaine for US-guided CBPB with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA).

Methods

In a prospective trial, 99 patients scheduled to undergo arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were divided into three groups. In groups A and B, an US-guided 17-gauge Tuohy needle was inserted into the interscalene brachial plexus. A loading dose of 10 ml 0.2 % ropivacaine was administered via the needle. A 19-gauge perineural catheter was then inserted through the needle and advanced to a depth of 1.5 cm beyond the needle tip between the C5 and C6 nerve trunks. After surgery, groups A and B received a continuous infusion of 0.2 % ropivacaine at 4 or 0 ml/h, a bolus of 0 or 4 ml, and a lockout time of 60 min through the catheter, respectively. Group C received IV-PCA. Pain scores and the forearm muscle tone of patients were compared using a numeric rating scale (NRS), rates of patients taking supplementary opioid analgesics, and manual muscle test (MMT) scoring.

Results

The NRS scores and rate of patients taking supplementary opioid analgesics in groups A and B were lower than those in group C after surgery. Groups A and B showed similar clinical efficacy. There were no significant differences in MMT scoring among the three groups.

Conclusions

The bolus dose of 0.2 % ropivacaine using US-guided CBPB would provide equivalent analgesic efficacy comparable with the basal infusion and motor weakness comparable with IV-PCA after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.     

Interscalene brachial plexus anaesthesia with 0.5%, 0.75% or 1% ropivacaine: a double-blind comparison with 2% mepivacaine

We have compared interscalene brachial plexus block performed with ropivacaine or mepivacaine in 60 healthy patients undergoing elective shoulder surgery. Patients were allocated randomly to receive interscalene brachial plexus anaesthesia with 20 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine (n = 15), 0.75% ropivacaine (n = 15), 1% ropivacaine (n = 15) or 2% mepivacaine (n = 15). Readiness for surgery (loss of pinprick sensation from C4 to C7 and inability to elevate the limb from the bed) was achieved sooner with 1% ropivacaine (mean 10 (SD 5) min) than with 0.5% ropivacaine (22 (7) min) (P < 0.001) or 2% mepivacaine (18 (9) min) (P < 0.02). Postoperative analgesia was similar with the three ropivacaine concentrations (11.5 (5) h, 10.7 (2) h and 10 (2.4) h with 0.5%, 0.75% and 1% concentrations, respectively) and nearly two-fold longer compared with 2% mepivacaine (5.1 (2.7) h) (P < 0.001).      

Lateral cervical epidural catheter placement using nerve stimulation for continuous unilateral upper extremity analgesia following a failed continuous peripheral nerve block

This case report describes the application of electrical stimulation (Tsui test) to confirm placement of a cervical epidural catheter for postoperative pain management in a patient with a failed brachial plexus block who underwent upper extremity surgery. An epidural catheter was easily advanced under nerve stimulation guidance to the surgical dermatome C4 level without any resistance from the C7-T1 level. Successful analgesia was achieved with a bolus of 2 mg ml(-1) ropivacaine 2 ml and fentanyl 20 microg, followed by a continuous infusion of 2 mg ml(-1) ropivacaine with 2 microg ml(-1) of fentanyl at a rate of 2 ml h(-1). This case reminds the clinician that cervical epidural analgesia may serve as an alternative to a difficult continuous peripheral nerve block. Electrical stimulation may also help to confirm cervical epidural catheter placement at the appropriate dermatome to provide effective analgesia with minimal side-effects.     

Continuous shoulder analgesia via an indwelling axillary brachial plexus catheter

Continuous interscalene brachial plexus blockade can provide anesthesia and analgesia in the shoulder region. Difficulty accessing the interscalene space and premature displacement of interscalene catheters may preclude their use in certain situations. We present two case reports in which a catheter was advanced from the axilla along the brachial plexus sheath to the interscalene space to provide continuous cervicobrachial plexus analgesia. In the first case report, previous neck surgery made the anatomic landmarks for performing an interscalene block very difficult. An epidural catheter was advanced from the axillary brachial plexus sheath to the interscalene space under fluoroscopic guidance. This technique provided both intraoperative analgesia for shoulder surgery as well as 24-hour postoperative analgesia by an infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine. In the second case report, a catheter was inserted in a similar fashion from the axillary to the interscalene space to provide 14 days of continuous analgesia in the management of complex regional pain syndrome. We have found that this technique allows us to secure the catheter more easily than with the traditional interscalene approach and thus prevents premature dislodgment. This approach may be a suitable alternative when either an interscalene or an infraclavicular catheter may not be inserted.     

Comparison of the effect of EMLA and semicircular subcutaneous anaesthesia in the prevention of tourniquet pain during plexus block anaesthesia of the arm

In 54 patients who were to undergo surgery of the upper extremity in plexus block anaesthesia the effect of 5 g EMLA (group E) on tourniquet pain was examined and compared with the effect of a semicircular subcutaneous anaesthesia using 10 ml 0.25% bupivacaine (group B) or 10 ml 1% mepivacaine (group M). Among the patients with satisfactory brachial plexus analgesia allowing for surgery ( n  = 51), the incidence of tourniquet pain was not significantly different between groups E, M and B. Notably, there was no significant difference in the time of tourniquet application. We conclude that topical application of EMLA is as effective as a semicircular subcutaneous anaesthesia with mepivacaine or bupivacaine in the prevention of tourniquet pain during brachial plexus anaesthesia.     

Continuous interscalene brachial plexus block during and after shoulder surgery

Continuous interscalene brachial plexus block with a single dose of 0.75% bupivacaine (150-210 mg) with adrenaline, continued with an infusion of plain 0.25% bupivacaine 0.25 mg/kg/h, was performed on 20 patients to provide analgesia during shoulder surgery and in the postoperative period. The control group included 20 patients who were given general anaesthesia for surgery after starting a continuous interscalene brachial plexus block; test dose of 0.75% bupivacaine (22.5 mg) with adrenaline, continued with an infusion of 0.25% bupivacaine 0.25 mg/kg/h. Surgery was performed successfully under regional anaesthesia in 16/20 patients; 4/16 were given one dose of fentanyl during the surgery, and diazepam or midazolam as supplementary sedation were given in 13/16 cases. For postoperative analgesia 35/40 patients had a fully functioning catheter for 20-26 hours and the need for oxycodone i.m. during that time was 1.5 +/- 0.4 doses after regional anaesthesia (n = 14) and 1.8 +/- 0.4 doses after general anaesthesia (n = 18). There was a statistically significant difference in the mean plasma bupivacaine concentrations between the groups, concentrations in the regional anaesthesia group being higher at 5, 30, 60 min and 3 h (maximum 2.3 micrograms/ml at 60 min), but there was no difference between the values at 24 h. One infusion of local anaesthetic was discontinued because of probable treatment-related side-effects (breathing difficulties, nausea). Mild local anaesthetic toxicity (dizziness, tinnitus) was noticed in four patients.     

Continuous infraclavicular perineural infusion with clonidine and ropivacaine compared with ropivacaine alone: a randomized,double-blinded,controlled study

Although clonidine has been shown to increase the duration of local anesthetic action and prolong postoperative analgesia when included in single-injection nerve blocks, a controlled investigation of the efficacy of this practice to improve analgesia for continuous perineural local anesthetic infusion has not been reported. In this study, ambulatory patients (n = 34) undergoing moderately painful upper extremity orthopedic surgery received an infraclavicular brachial plexus block (mepivacaine 1.5%, epinephrine 2.5 micro g/mL, and bicarbonate 0.1 mEq/mL) and a perineural catheter before surgery. After surgery, patients were discharged home with a portable infusion pump delivering either ropivacaine 0.2% or ropivacaine 0.2% plus clonidine 1 micro g/mL via the catheter for 3 days (basal, 8 mL/h; patient-controlled bolus, 2 mL every 20 min). Investigators and patients were blinded to random group assignment. Daily end-points included pain scores, patient-controlled bolus doses, oral analgesic use, sleep quality, and symptoms of catheter- or infusion-related complications. Adding clonidine to ropivacaine resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the number of self-administered 2-mL bolus doses on postoperative Days 0 and 1 (P < 0.02), but this decreased actual local anesthetic consumption by an average of only 2-7 mL/d (P < 0.02). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups for any of the other variables investigated, including sleep quality or oral analgesic requirements. We conclude that adding 1 micro g/mL of clonidine to a ropivacaine infraclavicular perineural infusion does not provide clinically relevant improvements in analgesia, sleep quality, or oral analgesic requirements for ambulatory patients having moderately painful upper extremity surgery.     

Patient-controlled epidural analgesia in labour--is a continuous infusion of benefit?

A randomised, single-blind study was conducted among 52 gravida in active labour, to investigate two variants of patient-controlled epidural analgesia--bolus only versus bolus plus infusion. Patient-controlled analgesia variables, using an epidural solution of 0.125% bupivacaine plus fentanyl 3 mcg per ml, were a 4 ml incremental bolus with 15 minute lockout, plus or minus a 4 ml per hour infusion. Up to three additional staff-administered supplements of 0.5% bupivacaine 4 ml (20 mg) were allowed. There was no significant difference between groups with respect to pain relief, supplementary boluses required, satisfaction, side-effects or details of patient-controlled epidural analgesia, with the exception of greater fentanyl usage in the bolus plus infusion group (P less than 0.003). Both groups had high quality analgesia, low rates of bupivacaine usage and were highly satisfied. However, under the conditions of the study, the addition of a continuous background infusion to self-administration conferred no benefit.     

Clonidine added to a continuous interscalene ropivacaine perineural infusion to improve postoperative analgesia: a randomized, double-blind, controlled study

Although clonidine has been shown to increase the duration of local anesthetic action and prolong postoperative analgesia when included in single-injection nerve blocks, the only controlled investigation of the efficacy of this practice to improve analgesia for continuous perineural local anesthetic infusion failed to discern any clinically relevant benefits. For this study, we used a larger dose of clonidine in an attempt to improve analgesia. Patients (n = 20) undergoing moderately painful orthopedic surgery of the shoulder received an interscalene brachial plexus block (40 mL of mepivacaine 1.5%, epinephrine 2.5 microg/mL, and clonidine 50 microg) and a perineural catheter before surgery. After surgery, ropivacaine 0.2% or ropivacaine 0.2% plus clonidine 2 microg/mL was delivered via the catheter for 3 days (basal rate, 5 mL/h; patient-controlled bolus, 5 mL; lockout, 1 h). Investigators and patients were blind to random group assignment. The primary outcome variable was designated as the most intense pain during the day after surgery. Secondary end-points included additional pain scores, patient-controlled bolus doses, oral analgesic use, sleep quality, and catheter- or infusion-related complications. There were no statistically significant differences between groups for any of the variables investigated. We conclude that adding clonidine 2 microg/mL to a ropivacaine interscalene perineural infusion does not decrease breakthrough pain intensity the day after surgery. For the additional end-points, our negative findings are only suggestive of a lack of effect and require further study for verification.     

1%甲哌卡因与0.5%罗哌卡因用于肌间沟臂丛神经阻滞锁骨骨折术中的比较

目的观察1%甲哌卡因与0.5%罗哌卡因用于肌间沟臂丛神经阻滞锁骨骨折术中麻醉效果的比较。方法择期行肌间沟臂丛神经阻滞锁骨骨折成年患者30例,ASAⅠ~Ⅱ级,随机分为2组(n=15);1%甲哌卡因组(M组)和0.5%罗哌卡因组(R组)。两组均在神经刺激仪引导下,以肌间沟入路行臂丛神经阻滞,M组和R组分别注入1%甲哌卡因25 mL和0.5%罗哌卡因25 mL。观察两组血流动力学,感觉、运动阻滞起效及恢复时间,术后VAS评分,不良反应及麻醉满意度。结果与R组比较,M组感觉、运动阻滞起效时间缩短,阻滞恢复时间缩短(P0.05),术后6 h、12 h的VAS评分增加(P0.05)。结论 1%甲哌卡因与0.5%罗哌卡因行肌间沟臂丛神经阻滞,均能满足锁骨骨折手术。采用1%甲哌卡因较0.5%罗哌卡因起效更快,且感觉、运动恢复更早,利于早期活动,但术后镇痛效果不如0.5%罗哌卡因。     

Patient-controlled Analgesia after Major Shoulder Surgery: Patient-controlled Interscalene Analgesia versus Patient-controlled Analgesia

Background: The authors compared patient-controlled interscalene analgesia (PCIA) with local anesthetics with intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with opioids to manage postoperative pain after major shoulder surgery.

Methods: Forty patients scheduled for elective major shoulder surgery were prospectively randomized to receive either PCIA or PCA. Before surgery, all patients had an interscalene block. In the PCIA group, a catheter was introduced within the interscalene sheath. Six hours after the initial block, patients received for 48 h either a continuous infusion of 0.15% bupivacaine through the interscalene catheter at a rate of 5 ml/h plus a bolus of 3 or 4 ml with a lock-time of 20 min (group PCIA) or a continuous intravenous infusion of nicomorphine at a rate of 0.5 mg/h plus a bolus of 2 or 3 mg with a lock-time of 20 min (group PCA). Pain relief was regularly assessed using a visual analog scale, side effects were noted, and the patients were asked to rate their satisfaction at the end of the study.

Results: Pain relief was significantly better controlled in the PCIA group at t = 12 and 18 h (P < 0.05). Vomiting and pruritus were 0 versus 25% and 0 versus 25% for the PCIA and PCA groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Patient satisfaction was greater in the PCIA group (P < 0.05). Time of first bolus administration and paracetamol supplement were similar in both groups.     

Brachial plexus block with bupivacaine: effects of added alpha-adrenergic agonists: comparison between clonidine and epinephrine

The effects of clonidine and epinephrine, administered into the brachial plexus sheath, were evaluated in 60 patients who underwent surgery of the upper limb. All patients received 40 to 50 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine, injected into the brachial plexus sheath, using the supraclavicular technique. The patients were randomly allocated to two groups so that 30 patients received 150 micrograms clonidine hydrochloride (Group I), and 30 received 200 micrograms epinephrine (Group II). The quality and the duration of analgesia were assessed as well as the possible side-effects. The block produced with the addition of clonidine was longer (994.2 +/- 34.2 vs 728.3 +/- 35.8 min) and superior to that with epinephrine (P less than 0.001). No major side-effects were recorded. We conclude that the injection of clonidine into the brachial plexus sheath is an attractive alternative to epinephrine to prolong the duration of analgesia following upper limb surgery under conduction anaesthesia.     

Tramadol added to 1.5% mepivacaine for axillary brachial plexus block improves postoperative analgesia dose-dependently

Adjuncts to local anesthetics for peripheral plexus blockade may enhance the quality and duration of anesthesia and postoperative analgesia. The analgesic, tramadol, has a unique mechanism of action that suggests efficacy as such an adjunct. It displays a central analgesic and peripheral local anesthetic effect. We designed a prospective, randomized, controlled and double-blind clinical trial to assess the effect of tramadol added to brachial plexus anesthesia. One-hundred patients scheduled for carpal tunnel release surgery under brachial plexus anesthesia were randomized into four groups. All patients received 1.5% mepivacaine 40 mL plus a study solution containing either isotonic sodium chloride (Group P, n = 17), tramadol 40 mg (Group T(40), n = 22), tramadol 100 mg (Group T(100), n = 20) or tramadol 200 mg (Group T(200), n = 20). We evaluated the time of onset of anesthesia, duration of sensory and motor blockade, duration and quality of postoperative analgesia, and occurrence of adverse effects. Onset and duration of sensory and motor blocks were not different among groups. The number of patients requesting analgesia in the postoperative period was significantly less in the 3 tramadol groups compared with the placebo group (P = 0.02); this was also noted with the placebo and T(40) groups compared with the T(200) group. No statistical significance was demonstrated between the placebo and the T(40) group or the T(100) group and the T(200) group. Furthermore, there was a significant trend effect among groups applying the Cochran-Armitage tendency test (P = 0.003), suggesting a dose-dependent decrease for additional postoperative analgesia requirements when tramadol was added. Side effects did not differ among groups, although they were more frequently recorded in the T groups. Our study suggests that tramadol added to 1.5% mepivacaine for brachial plexus block enhances in a dose-dependent manner the duration of analgesia with acceptable side effects. However, the safety of tramadol has to be investigated before allowing its use in clinical practice. IMPLICATIONS: Tramadol's unique mechanism of action suggests efficacy as a local anesthetic adjunct for peripheral plexus blockade. Our study demonstrates that tramadol, added to mepivacaine for brachial plexus anesthesia, extends the duration and improves the quality of postoperative analgesia in a dose dependent fashion with acceptable side effects.     

Tratamiento anestésico mediante bloqueo del plexo braquial costoclavicular con analgesia controlada por el paciente en Pediatría: caso clínico

Anesthetic management using costoclavicular brachial plexus block with patient-controlled analgesia in pediatrics: a case report Abstract The costoclavicular brachial plexus block (CBPB) has been receiving increasing attention as an effective technique for upper arm surgery conducted without phrenic paralysis. However, studies in children are lacking. CBPB was applied to a 10 year-old girl undergoing scheduled radial and ulnar osteotomy due to multiple cartilaginous exostoses and ulnar lengthening. CBPB was performed with a bolo administration of 10 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine, and the catheter was sequentially replaced in the right costoclavicular space. After surgery, a continuous infusion of 0.17% levobupivacaine through a catheter was initiated at 2 mL/h, along with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) of 3 mL 0.17% levobupivacaine with a 60-minute lock out. The patient complained of 5/10 pain on the numerical rating scale (NRS) 2 hours after surgery, which improved immediately after bolus administration. The analgesia induced by CBPB was otherwise effective (NRS ≤ 2). CBPB with PCA may provide adequate analgesia in pediatric cases.     

Continuous interscalene infusion and single injection using levobupivacaine for analgesia after surgery of the shoulder. A double-blind, randomised controlled trial

We performed a double-blind, randomised controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of a continuous-infusion brachial plexus block with levobupivacaine compared with that of a standard single injection for the management of post-operative pain after surgery on the shoulder. Eight patients were randomised to receive a pre-operative brachial plexus block using 30 ml of levobupivacaine 0.5% with adrenaline 1:200 000 followed by insertion of a 20-gauge polyamide catheter. This was connected to a disposable elastometric pump, set immediately after surgery to administer a continuous flow of levobupivacaine 0.25% at a rate of 5 ml per hour. The other eight patients were randomised to receive only the initial injection of 30 ml. The study was double-blinded with the aid of sham catheters and clamped pumps. All patients were given regular paracetamol and were prescribed morphine through a patient-controlled analgesia pump. Motor and sensory block assessments, visual analogue scale pain scores and consumption of morphine were recorded after the operation and then at 6, 12 and 24 hours after administration of the block. Satisfactory motor and sensory block was achieved in all patients. The mean visual analogue scale pain score at 12 hours and consumption of morphine at 24 hours after injection were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the continuous-infusion group. This group also took longer to request their first additional analgesia and reported a significantly higher overall level of satisfaction. Our study has shown that continuous interscalene infusion of levobupivacaine is an effective method of post-operative analgesia after major surgery of the shoulder.