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Effects of adding alfentanil or atracurium to lidocaine solution for intravenous regional anaesthesia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 August 2006

N. Kurt
Affiliation:
Adnan Menderes University, Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, Faculty of Medicine, Aydin, Turkey
I. Kurt
Affiliation:
Adnan Menderes University, Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, Faculty of Medicine, Aydin, Turkey
B. Aygünes
Affiliation:
ZTB Hospital, Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, Turkey
H. Oral
Affiliation:
SSK Etlik Hospital, Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, Turkey
M. Tulunay
Affiliation:
University of Ankara, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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Abstract

Background and objective: The addition of alfentanil or atracurium to lidocaine solution for intravenous regional anaesthesia of the arm may have advantages with respect to improved muscle relaxation and better analgesia. The study investigates these possibilities.

Methods: We investigated 33 patients. Plain lidocaine solution was administered to Group 1 (n = 11). Alfentanil (0.5 mg) and atracurium (3 mg) were added to the lidocaine solution in Groups 2 (n = 11) and 3 (n = 11), respectively. The onset of sensory and motor block, intra- and postoperative pain scores, and the duration of postoperative analgesia were evaluated.

Results: There was a significant difference in the speed of the onset of sensory block in the hand, but not at the tourniquet site. The onset of the motor block, intra- and postoperative pain scores, and the duration of postoperative analgesia were similar in all groups.

Conclusions: No clinical benefits of adding alfentanil or atracurium to lidocaine solution for intravenous regional anaesthesia of the arm could be shown.

Type
Original Article
Copyright
2002 European Society of Anaesthesiology

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