[The continuous perivascular axillary plexus block in hand replantation surgery (author's transl)]

A modified techniques of axillary plexus block is described which enables prolonged analgesia. The main principle of this techniques is to insert an indwelling canula into the perivascular tissue of the plexus brachialis. A cold local anaesthetic (4 degrees) is injected for controlling the canula site. The indications for this technique are all corrective and reconstructive operations of the upper extremity and the postoperative alleviation of pain. Twenty cases with different indications are discussed in this paper. No allergic, toxic or inflammatory reactions were seen in our patients. They were satisfied with this method of analgesia. The easy application, absence of time limiting factors and suitable intraoperative monitoring are the advantages of the method.