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One hundred sciatic nerve blocks: a comparison of localisation techniques
1Department of Anaesthesia, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Peripheral nerve stimulators offer a more reliable method for sciatic nerve blocks compared to eliciting paresthesia. This technique improves success rates for lower limb vascular surgery anesthesia.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Neurosurgery
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Sciatic nerve blocks are crucial for lower limb surgeries.
- Accurate nerve localization is key to successful blockades.
- Previous methods relied on subjective paresthesia elicitation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively audit sciatic nerve block techniques.
- To compare success rates of paresthesia versus nerve stimulation.
- To evaluate nerve localization methods for lower limb vascular surgery.
Main Methods:
- 100 sciatic nerve blocks were audited.
- Techniques included paresthesia search and peripheral nerve stimulator use.
- A 22-gauge Quincke needle was utilized.
Main Results:
- 89 blocks were successful overall.
- Paresthesia led to successful blocks in 41/44 cases.
- Nerve stimulation resulted in successful blocks in 87/95 cases.
Conclusions:
- Both paresthesia and nerve stimulation correlate with success.
- Peripheral nerve stimulation is a more consistent and reliable localization technique.
- This improves anesthetic outcomes for lower limb vascular procedures.