Clinical Study of Combined Lumbar Plexus-sciatic Nerve Block Using the Peripheral Nerve Stimulator in Elderly Patients with Unilateral Lower Extremity Surgery

Objective To observe the effects of combined lumbar plexus-sciatic nerve block using the peripheral nerve stimulator in elderly patients with unilateral lower extremity surgery.Methods 68 elderly patients with age ≥75 years old undergoing unilateral lower limb orthopedic surgery were randomly divided into two groups,groupⅠ(the control group=34) underwent routine combined epidural-spinal anesthesia,groupⅡ(n=34) underwent combine lumber plexus-sciatic nerve block guided by a nerve stimulator.The effects of anesthesia,circulation and respiratory function were observed.Results Both groups obtained good anesthesia effect,the blood pressure decreased in group Ⅰafter anesthesia while circulation and respiration in the group Ⅱ was stable,the incidence of urinary retention after surgery in group Ⅱ was significantly lower than group Ⅰ.Conclusion Combined lumbar plexus-sciatic nerve block using the peripheral nerve stimulator in elderly patients with unilateral lower extremity surgery has a higher success rate,have less impact on respiratory and circulatory functions for these patients,less post-operative complications.