Continuous parasacral sciatic nerve block: two case reports.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the use of a continuous parasacral sciatic nerve block for anesthesia and postoperative analgesia for lower extremity surgery.


METHODS
A continuous parasacral sciatic nerve block was performed in two patients (triple ankle arthrodesis and below-knee amputation). The sacral plexus was identified using an insulated Tuohy needle and a nerve stimulator. A catheter was placed near the elements of the sacral plexus via the Tuohy needle.


RESULTS
In both patients, surgical anesthesia was successfully established through the parasacral catheter with lidocaine 1% (1/200,000 epinephrine), and postoperative analgesia was successfully established with a bolus of bupivacaine 0.375% (1/200,000 epinephrine) and maintained with a continuous infusion of bupivacaine 0.1% (8 mL/h) for 48 hours.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that continuous parasacral sciatic nerve block can provide anesthesia and long-term analgesia for operative procedures of the foot and leg.
Morris
G F
GF
Department of Anesthesia, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Canada.
Lang
S A
SA
D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000601:surgery; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009407:Nerve Block; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012584:Sciatic Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D008012:Lidocaine; D002045:Bupivacaine