Pre‐operative brachial plexus block compared with an identical block performed at the end of surgery: a prospective, double‐blind, randomised clinical trial

• DOI: 10.1111/anae.13939
• Publication Date: 2017-06-12T05:48:38Z
• Authors: A. Holmberg; A. R. Sauter; Ø. Klaastad; T. Drægni; J. C. Ræder
• Keywords: Brachial plexus block

Summary We evaluated whether pre‐emptive analgesia with a pre‐operative ultrasound‐guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block resulted in better postoperative than an identical performed postoperatively. Fifty‐two patients undergoing fixation of fractured radius were included. All received general anaesthesia remifentanil and propofol. Patients randomly allocated into two groups: or 0.5 ml.kg −1 ropivacaine 0.75%. After surgery, all regular paracetamol plus opioids for breakthrough pain. Mean ( SD ) time to first rescue analgesic after emergence from was 544 (217) min the group compared 343 (316) (p = 0.015). Postoperative pain scores higher more required during 4 h surgery group. There no significant differences plasma stress mediators between groups. Analgesic consumption lower at day seven Pain described as very strong resolution 27 (63%) 26 (76%) had episodes mild 6 months. conclude that provides longer acute period radius.