[Problems of nerve block during prolonged surgery on the upper extremities (author's transl)]

Regional anaesthesia secured by injecting the supraclavicular plexus was used for 34 reconstructive surgical operations on the fingers and hands. The operations lasted for 5 1/2-19 hours. The advantages and disadvantages of the technique are reviewed. In 5 cases other anaesthetic techniques had to be substituted because the patients, despite sedation, could not tolerate the forced position any longer. Motivation, intensive psychic support during the operation, optimum positioning and the use of suitable sedatives are pre-conditions for the success of nerve block for prolonged surgery.