Der Anaesthesist
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Case Reports
[High spinal anaesthesia following intrathoracic intercostal nerve block. Report of a case (author's transl)].
In a 59-year-old female, anaesthetized with halothane, nitrous oxide/oxygen, intercostal nerve blocks were performed after right lateral thoracotomy. Before closure of the chest four segments were blocked each with 3 ml 0.5% bupivacain (Marcain, Carbostesin) without adrenaline. ⋯ The patient was able to be extubated 90' after the last block and there were no further complications. The possible mechanism of producing spinal anaesthesia after peripheral nerve blocks and the necessary precautions to avoid this complication are discussed.