• N Kurt, I Kurt, B Aygünes, H Oral, and M Tulunay.
• Adnan Menderes University, Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation, Faculty of Medicine, Aydin, Turkey. mnilkurt@yahoo.com
• Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2002 Jul 1;19(7):522-5.

Background And ObjectiveThe addition of alfentanil or atracurium to lidocaine solution for intravenous regional anaesthesia of the arm may have advantages with respect to improved muscle relaxation and better analgesia. The study investigates these possibilities.MethodsWe investigated 33 patients. Plain lidocaine solution was administered to Group 1 (n = 11). Alfentanil (0.5 mg) and atracurium (3 mg) were added to the lidocaine solution in Groups 2 (n = 11) and 3 (n = 11), respectively. The onset of sensory and motor block, intra- and postoperative pain scores, and the duration of postoperative analgesia were evaluated.ResultsThere was a significant difference in the speed of the onset of sensory block in the hand, but not at the tourniquet site. The onset of the motor block, intra- and postoperative pain scores, and the duration of postoperative analgesia were similar in all groups.ConclusionsNo clinical benefits of adding alfentanil or atracurium to lidocaine solution for intravenous regional anaesthesia of the arm could be shown.

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