Sequential forearm intravenous regional and infiltration anaesthesia: value for haemostasis

Single-cuff Bier's block in the forearm: factors affecting its efficacy and need for supplementation with local anaesthetics

Bier's block in the forearm is a safe, effective, and reliable method of regional anaesthesia for operations on the upper extremity. We report 155 patients, of whom only 25 had residual sensation after placement of the block, that required additional local anaesthetic. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors responsible for the residual sensation using the single-cuff Bier's block technique. We recorded all those factors that we thought might have an influence. No patients required conversion to a general anaesthetic. The body mass index, the difference of the systolic and tourniquet pressures, and the site of incision were the three factors correlated with the need for additional anaesthesia.

An evaluation of the analgesic efficacy of intravenous regional anesthesia with lidocaine and ketorolac using a forearm versus upper arm tourniquet

Intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) using a forearm tourniquet may be a potentially safer technique compared with using an upper arm tourniquet. Ketorolac is a useful adjuvant to lidocaine for IVRA. In this study, we assessed the analgesic efficacy of administering IVRA lidocaine and ketorolac with either a forearm or upper arm tourniquet for outpatient hand surgery. Upper arm IVRA was established using 40 mL of a solution containing 200 mg of lidocaine and ketorolac 20 mg (0.5 mg/mL). Forearm IVRA was established using 20 mL of a solution containing 100 mg of lidocaine and ketorolac 10 mg (0.5 mg/mL). Onset and duration of sensory block as well as postoperative pain and analgesic use were recorded. The patients who received forearm IVRA had a significantly longer period during which they required no analgesics (701 +/- 133 min) compared with 624 +/- 80 min for the upper arm IVRA ketorolac patients (P = 0.032). Onset of sensory block was similar between the two groups; however, recovery of sensation was significantly longer in the Forearm IVRA (22 +/- 5 min) group compared with the Upper Arm IVRA (13 +/- 3 min) group (P < 0.05). There were no differences in postoperative analgesic use or pain scores between the two groups. We conclude that forearm IVRA with lidocaine and ketorolac provides safe and effective perioperative analgesia for patients undergoing ambulatory hand surgery. This technique results in a longer duration of sensory block and prolonged postoperative analgesia compared with upper arm IVRA while using one-half the doses of both lidocaine and ketorolac.

IMPLICATIONS

Forearm tourniquet intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) with 50% less lidocaine and ketorolac provides for both a longer duration of sensory block and prolonged postoperative analgesia compared with upper arm IVRA.

Anaesthesia for procedures of the hand and elbow

The majority of upper extremity surgeries are performed on an ambulatory basis under intravenous regional anaesthesia or brachial plexus blockade. The former technique is easy to perform, has a rapid onset and a high success rate but provides limited post-operative analgesia. Brachial plexus blockade provides excellent intraoperative anaesthesia as well as post-operative analgesia, eliminates the need for post-operative opioids, resulting in a decrease in recovery time, shortened hospital stay, increased patient satisfaction and ultimately a decrease in perioperative costs when compared with general anaesthesia. This chapter reviews upper extremity surgical procedures performed below the shoulder, the anaesthetic options available, and techniques used to optimize post-operative pain control.

History of hand surgery in Hong Kong

The development of hand surgery in Hong Kong can be largely divided into three phases: the early years, the 1960s and 70s, and the present. In the immediate post-World War II years, incidence of infectious diseases was high; there were many patients with tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, leprosy and osteomyelitis. In the 1960s and 70s, the light industry revolution brought along many patients with serious hand injuries caused by machines. Dr Yen-Shui Tsao was the first local surgeon trained in hand surgery. Prof. SP Chow and Prof. PC Leung were the two pioneers who developed this subspecialty and microsurgery during that period.

At present, with the change in economic environment, the disease pattern has also changed. Despite our heavy clinical involvement, we have been very active in academic researches. The Hong Kong Society for Surgery of Hand was formed in 1986. For the past 15 years, the society organized Workshops and Annual Congresses attended by overseas speakers, including surgeons from China. It also provided scholarships for Fellows of the Asia-Pacific countries. In addition, the society provided the participants with the chance to exchange ideas and forge friendships. Hong Kong has thus been and will continue to be the meeting point of the East and the West.

Clinical application of the forearm tourniquet

We undertook this prospective study of 148 consecutive hand and wrist procedures to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the forearm tourniquet. Patients were assigned to three groups based on tourniquet pressure used, ranging from 50 to 125 mmHg above systolic blood pressure. The forearm tourniquet was well tolerated by all patients. No patient had neurologic complications. Minimal intraoperative bleeding occurred when the pressure was greater than 75 mmHg above systolic blood pressure. The forearm tourniquet is a safe and effective means of providing a bloodless field for wrist and hand surgery.