Efficacy of low dose levobupivacaine (0.1%) for axillary plexus block using multiple nerve stimulation

The purpose of this study was to investigate if low doses of levobupivacaine (0.1%) produce complete sensory blockade in preoperative axillary brachial plexus block and to compare the effect of different doses of levobupivacaine on sensory and motor blockade. A total of 110 patients scheduled for elective forearm or hand surgery were randomly allocated to receive 36 ml or 72 ml of levobupivacaine 0.1% or 36 ml of levobupivacaine 0.25%. In each group, volumes were equally distributed in the four nerve territories. In all patients, the sensory and motor block was assessed at five, 10, 20 and 30 minutes after the placement of axillary block. Complete sensory block was obtained in 94.4% of patients receiving 36 ml of levobupivacaine 0.1%, 92.1% of those receiving 72 ml of levobupivacaine 0.1%, and 97.1% of those receiving 36 ml of levobupivacaine 0.25%. There was no significant difference either in the onset of the sensory and motor block or duration of the sensory and motor block. This study demonstrates that 36 ml of levobupivacaine 0.1% (36 mg) is as effective as higher doses and volumes in axillary brachial plexus blockade.