Posterior approach to the sciatic nerve in the popliteal fossa for lower limb surgery

Background and objectives: To evaluate success rate, acceptance and complications of sciatic nerve (SN) block at the popliteal fossa (popliteal block, PB) for ambulatory or inpatient orthopedic and vascular surgical procedures. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out in 312 patients who received a PB for vascular and orthopedic lower leg surgery. A single injection, posterior approach technique with 40 ml of either 0.5% ropivacaine or 1% mepivacaine was used. Data collected included demographic and clinical variables. Results: Observed success rate was 95.5%. Acceptance of anesthetic procedure among outpatients was high (94.1%). There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. For ambulatory surgery patients, the postoperative stay was 1309/25 min. Conclusions: PB was a useful anesthetic technique for minor foot and ankle surgery. The single-injection, posterior approach obtained a high success rate without untoward events. It was well accepted by patients and proved to be suitable for ambulatory surgery. # 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.