MODIFIED LOCAL INTRAVENOUS ANESTHESIA WITH REVERSED CANNULA FOR TRAUMATIC HAND AND DISTAL FOREARM INJURIES

Abstract

Background: Investigations have attempted to improve intravenous regional anesthesia by modifying the technique in order to hasten onset and improve analgesia and safety. Objectives: To evaluate the modification of intravenous regional anesthesia with reversed cannula to intensify the degree of block and analgesia for traumatic hand and distal forearm injuries. Patients and methods: 50 patients with trauma to the hand or distal forearm divided into two groups: Group A (25 patients) received local intravenous anesthesia by the original technique, and group B (25 patients) received local intravenous anesthesia with using forearm IV cannula with reversed direction away from elbow directed toward injured hand or forearm. Results: Intraoperative VAS was lower in the patients with modified technique in group B, 2 (1-3) compared to 5 (3-6) in the other group A, the number of patients who received analgesics and sedation was lower in the modified group (2 patients), compared with 8 patients received analgesia and sedation in the original group B. Conclusion: Modified intravenous regional anesthesia with reversed cannula technique is more potent anesthesia technique for hand and distal forearm injuries.
Keywords: intravenous, regional, reversed cannula