Duration of Blockade of Peripheral Nerves With Bupivacaine Depending of the Adjuvants

Overview

The main aim of the investigator's study is to propose combination of local anesthetics and adjuvants that provides both adequate anesthesia during surgery and prolonged post-operative analgesia.

Peripheral nerve plexuses blocks are performing as a component of analgesia in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery on the upper or lower extremities. Patients are divided into two groups depending on the adjuvant to the local anesthetic: 1st group - patients whose blockade is performed with a solution of bupivacaine 0.375% together with dexamethasone 0.02%; Group 2 - patients whose blockade is performed with a solution of bupivacaine 0.375% together with dexamethasone 0.02% and epinephrine 0.00018%. The duration of the blockade is estimated by puncturing the skin with a needle. The intensity of pain is assessed at 6, 12, 24 and 36 hours after blockade using Visual analog scale (VAS). The amount of narcotic anesthetic used in the postoperative period is also recorded. In addition, patients underwent electromyography of the innervation area of the blocked nerve before the surgery and 24 and 36 hours after surgery.

Conditions