Clinical comparisons of 0.5% and 0.375% levobupivacaine for ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block with nerve stimulation.
10.4097/kjae.2012.62.1.24
- Author:
Wonkyo KIM
1
;
Youn Jin KIM
;
Jong Hak KIM
;
Dong Yeon KIM
;
Rack Kyung CHUNG
;
Chi Hyo KIM
;
Seok HEO
Author Information
1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea. ankyj@ewha.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Randomized Controlled Trial ; Original Article
- Keywords:
Axillary brachial plexus block;
Levobupivacaine;
Ultrasonography
- MeSH:
Anesthesia;
Anesthetics, Local;
Brachial Plexus;
Bupivacaine;
Humans;
Patient Satisfaction;
Prospective Studies;
Punctures;
Skin;
Upper Extremity
- From:Korean Journal of Anesthesiology
2012;62(1):24-29
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: In an axillary brachial plexus block (ABPB), where relatively large doses of local anesthetics are administered, levobupivacaine is preferred due to a greater margin of safety. However, the efficacy of levobupivacaine in ABPB has not been studied much. We performed a prospective, double-blinded study to compare the clinical effect of 0.375% levobupivacaine with 0.5% levobupivacaine for ultrasound (US)-guided ABPB with nerve stimulation. METHODS: Forty patients undergoing elective upper limb surgery were randomized into two groups: Group I (0.375% levobupivacaine) and Group II (0.5% levobupivacaine). All four main terminal nerves of the brachial plexus were blocked separately with 7 ml of levobupivacaine using US guidance with nerve stimulation according to study group. A blinded observer recorded the onset time for sensory and motor block, elapsed time to be ready for surgery, recovery time for sensory and motor block, quality of anesthesia, patient satisfaction and complications. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the time to find nerve locations, time to perform block and number of skin punctures between groups. Insufficient block was reported in one patient of Group I, but no failed block was reported in either group. There were no differences in the onset time for sensory and motor block, elapsed time to be ready for surgery, patient satisfaction and complications. CONCLUSIONS: 0.375% levobupivacaine produced adequate anesthesia for ABPB using US guidance with nerve stimulation, without any clinically significant differences compared to 0.5% levobupivacaine.
