Effects of adding alfentanil or atracurium to lidocaine solution for intravenous regional anaesthesia.
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.
Adnan Menderes University, Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, Faculty of Medicine, Aydin, Turkey. mnilkurt@yahoo.com
N
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Kurt
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Kurt
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Aygünes
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Oral
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Tulunay
D000328:Adult; D015760:Alfentanil / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000765:Anesthesia, Conduction; D000771:Anesthesia, Intravenous; D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001279:Atracurium / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D009126:Muscle Relaxation / Q000187:drug effects; D009467:Neuromuscular Depolarizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D013997:Time Factors; D014111:Tourniquets; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000601:surgery*
D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D009467:Neuromuscular Depolarizing Agents; D015760:Alfentanil; D001279:Atracurium; D008012:Lidocaine