[Sciatic nerve block performed with nerve stimulation technique in an amputee--a case study]

We present a case of a sciatic nerve block performed with the nerve stimulation technique. This technique is normally not used in amputees because detection of a motor response to an electrical stimulation is impossible. In our patient the stimulation provoked a phantom sensation of movement in the non-existing extremity. This sensation was verbally described by the patient and thus used as an alternative to visual identification of motor response. After surgery the patient was pain free. The technique thus presents an alternative method for anesthesia and perioperative pain management in a high-risk group of patients.