Publication:

Comparison between two mixtures of lidocaine and bupivacaine for infraclavicular block: a double blind randomized trial

Background We compare the two mixtures in terms of efficiency, analgesia, and side effects.

Methods 30 patients scheduled for upper limb surgery were randomized in 2 groups. the group A received a mixture of 50% lidocaine 2% and 50% of bupivacaine 0.5% the group B received a mixture of 75% lidocaine 1% and 25% of bupivacaine 0.5%. Volumes, block onset times, blocks duration times, analgesia, and toxicity were compared.

Results The volumes were equals in both groups. Sensory block onset was 5.43 min in the group A versus 6.73 min in the group B, motor block onset was 11.93 for the group A versus 13.46 min for the group B. Sensory block duration was 5.48 hours in the group A versus 4.05 hours for the group B (p=0.037), motor block duration was 7.75 hours for group A versus 5.50 hours for group B (p=0.014). Analgesia levels are equals between the two groups, there was no side effects listed.

Conclusions The use of low concentrated lidocaine and bupivacaine mixture induces an adequate anaesthesia and decreases the duration of motor block with a reduced level of pain and an equal level of analgesia.