Comparison of the efficacy of ropivacaine mixed with lidocaine carbonate versus equivalent ropivacaine for retrograde infraclavicular brachial plexus block

Abstract

Objective To compare the efficacy of ropivacaine-lidocaine carbonate mixture versus equivalent ropivacaine for retrograde infraclavicular brachial plexus block.Methods Sixty ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients of both sexes aged 18-64 yr weighing 49-98 kg undergoing elective upper limb surgery with ultrasoumd-guided retrograde infraclavicular brachial plexus block were randomly assigned into two groups ( n ＝ 30 each):group A 0.35％ ropivacaine 30 ml and group B 0.233％ ropivacaine mixed with 0.346％ lidocaine carbonate 30 ml.Sensory (by pinprick test) and motor block (by Bromage scale) were assessed every 5 min after block.The onset time of sensory and motor block of each brachial nerve,the effective rate of sensory and motor block at 30 min after brachial plexus block and complications were recorded.Results There was no significant difference in the onset time of sensory and motor block of each brachial nerve and the effective rate of sensory and motor nerve block between the 2 groups.No severe complication occurred in either group.Conclusions The efficacy of retrograde infraclavicular brachial plexus block with ropivacaine-lidocaine carbonate mixture and equivalent ropivacaine is similar suggesting that lidocaine carbonate does not enhance the anesthetic efficacy. Key words: Amides; Lidocaine; Nerve block; Brachial plexus