[Clinical aspects of intravenous regional anaesthesia (I.V.R.A.) (author's transl)]

3 groups of patients undergoing upper extremity surgery were anaesthetized with I.V.R.A. They were prospectively investigated to determine their absolute need of drug and the failure rate. As anaesthetics 0.50%, 0.33% and 0.25% mepivacaine solutions were used. It was found that the reduction in concentration with a combined increase in volume leads to a higher success rate and a simultaneous reduction of the absolute amount of drug. It is recommended to use 1.0-1.5 ml/kg b.w. of the 0.25% solution. If there are scars, adhesions as well as marked swellings at the operative site, it is advised not to use I.V.R.A. because of the greater risk of failure. The low postanaesthetic tendency for swelling and the extension of the operative site to the distal third of the upper arm are additionally stressed. Clinically relevant side effects were not observed.