To evaluate the hypothesis that adding dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine prolongs axillary brachial plexus block. Forty-five patients of ASA I~II and aged 25-60 yr who were scheduled for elective forearm and hand surgery were randomly divided into 3 equal groups and received 40 ml of 0.33% ropivacaine + 1 ml dexmedetomidine (50 μg) (Group DR1), 40 ml of 0.33% ropivacaine + 1 ml dexmedetomidine (10...

BACKGROUND Although a brachial plexus block can be used to provide anesthesia and analgesia for upper extremity surgery, its effects using MgSO(4) on postoperative pain management have not been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate brachial plexus block using MgSO(4) on postoperative analgesia. METHODS Thirty-eight patients who were scheduled to undergo upper extremity surgery were ...

Successful brachial plexus block requires a thorough knowledge of anatomy, both to decide on the appropriate approach and to locate the nerves. The plexus is traditionally found at specific anatomical points by using bony or vascular landmarks, whereas ultrasound allows block of the plexus at any point along its length. The course of the brachial plexus and its relationship to nearby structures...

PURPOSE We compared three methods of ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block, which were single, and double perivascular (PV) infiltration techniques, and a perineural (PN) injection technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS 78 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II undergoing surgery of the forearm, wrist, or hand were randomly allocated to three groups. 2% li...

The transarterial approach to brachial plexus block is a well-established method of producing anesthesia of the upper extremity. However, it is associated with a failure rate of 20% to 30%. Failure may be secondary to the common use of a relatively long needle, which can penetrate the posterior wall of the sheath and result in inadvertent injection of the local anesthetic into the surrounding t...