[Continuous interscalene block for analgesia following shoulder rotator cuff repair: evaluation of 2 bupivacaine concentrations applied with the same infusion technique].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate postoperative analgesia and patient satisfaction with the continuous interscalene block using 2 bupivacaine concentrations in combination with sufentanil for patients undergoing shoulder rotator cuff repair surgery.


METHODS
Prospective trial in 43 patients randomized to 2 groups. Group 1 received 0.125% bupivacaine plus 1 microg mL(-1) of sufentanil in continuous infusion at a rate of 7 mL h(-1). Group 2 received an infusion of 0.0625% bupivacaine plus 1 microg mL(-1) of sufentanil at the same rate. Pain was assessed on a visual analog scale (VAS) 2, 4, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery. Intravenous ketoprofen and morphine were used to provide rescue analgesia. Morphine and bupivacaine consumption, degree of satisfaction, and the incidence of adverse effects were recorded.


RESULTS
Forty-three patients (21 in group 1 and 22 in group 2) were enrolled. Postoperative VAS scores, morphine consumption, and satisfaction were similar in the 2 groups. Bupivacaine consumption was lower in group 2 (P<.005).


CONCLUSIONS
Both the tested bupivacaine concentrations for the continuous interscalene block provided similar levels of analgesia after shoulder rotator cuff repair surgery. Reducing the bupivacaine concentration to 0.625% decreased the consumption of local anesthetic without diminishing the quality of analgesia.
Contreras-Domínguez
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V
Servicio de Anestesiología, Hospital Clinico Regional de Concepción, Chile. dr.vcontreras@gmail.com
Carbonell-Bellolio
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P
D000328:Adult; D000698:Analgesia / Q000379:methods*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001917:Brachial Plexus; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D007660:Ketoprofen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D009020:Morphine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000601:surgery*; D017409:Sufentanil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D053441:Suture Anchors
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D009020:Morphine; D007660:Ketoprofen; D017409:Sufentanil; D002045:Bupivacaine