[Varying concentration of ropivacaine with stimulating catheters on sciatic nerve blocking for postoperative analgesia: comparison of efficacy].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the most suitable concentration of ropivacaine on sciatic nerve blocks with stimulating catheters.


METHODS
Sixty adult patients undergoing surgeries involving the foot and ankle were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=20): The patients in group A were given 0.1% ropivacaine, the patients in groups B and C received 0.125% and 0.15% ropivacaine respectively. We combined ultrasound and nerve stimulators for popliteal sciatic nerve blocks, and then placed stimulating catheters for postoperative analgesia. VAS and adverse effects were monitored 6 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h after surgery.


RESULTS
The difference of VAS was of significance in statistics 6 h and 12 h postoperation. VAS in Group A at postoperative 6 h and 12 h was significantly higher than that in Groups B and C(P<0.05). The incidence of motor disturbance and limbs numbness in Group C was significantly higher than that in Groups A and B (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the satisfaction of the three groups (P>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The most suitable concentration of ropivacaine on sciatic nerve blocks with stimulating catheters is 0.125%.
Yi
Jun
J
Department of Anesthesia, Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing 100035, China.
Xu
Li
L
Lin
Hui-hua
HH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000577:Amides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000698:Analgesia; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000077212:Ropivacaine; D012584:Sciatic Nerve; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional; D055815:Young Adult
D000577:Amides; D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D000077212:Ropivacaine