Comparison of two different methods of limb exsanguination (Esmarch bandage and limb elevation) in intravenous regional anesthesia.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effect of the Esmarch bandage and limb elevation techniques in quality of painlessness of intravenous (IV) regional anesthesia.


METHODS
Double-blinded, controlled, randomized clinical trial.


METHODS
Operating room of university hospital.


METHODS
70 ASA physical status capital I, Ukrainian and capital PE, Cyrillic patients who were scheduled for repair of upper extremity soft-tissue injuries.


METHODS
Patients were randomized for exsanguination of their upper extremities either by Esmarch bandage (Esmarch group) or by limb elevation (elevation group) to 90 degrees for about 5 minutes.


METHODS
Preoperative and intraoperative pain intensities were evaluated by verbal response scale. The intensity of pain and need for IV sedative and analgesic medications were compared in both groups by Fisher's exact and chi2 tests.


RESULTS
There was no significant statistical difference between the pain intensity data of two groups either before or after starting the surgery. The need for IV supplemental drugs for pain relief was similar in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The limb elevation technique, while producing less discomfort for patients, can be as effective as the Esmarch bandage in limb exsanguination during IV regional anesthesia.
Farbood
Arash
A
Department of Anesthesiology, Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran. farboda@sums.ac.ir <farboda@sums.ac.ir>
Shahbazi
Shahrbanoo
S
D000328:Adult; D000765:Anesthesia, Conduction; D000771:Anesthesia, Intravenous; D001458:Bandages; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005121:Extremities / Q000098:blood supply* / Q000293:injuries / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009407:Nerve Block; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000453:epidemiology; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology