Our clinical experiences relation to reducing volume of local anesthetic in intravenous regional anesthesia

Objectives: We aimed to assess safety of lidocaine at small volume (≤15 mL) and high concentration (%2) in intravenous regional anaesthesia of upper extremity. Methods: Data of patients underwent upper extremity surgery by intravenous regional anesthesia with ≤15 mL 2% lidocaine between November 2010 and November 2011, were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 54 patients between 35-62 years old have been received lidocaine in median 250.74±12.71 mg dosage and 12.54±0.63 mL volume. Onset time and recovery time of sensory and motor blocks have been reached at acceptable levels. Hemodynamic data have been maintained stable. Quality of anesthesia has been assessed as 74.1% excellent, and as 25.9% good. In patients in whom temporary tinnitus (7.4%), dizziness (5.6%) and tachycardia (3.7%) have been observed, no serious adverse effects had been observed. Conclusion: Use of lidocaine, at high concentration and small volume, has provided safe and easy administration in recommended dosage interval.