Effect of the Addition of Sufentanil to Lidocaine during Axillary Block

Studies examining the benefit of adding analgesic to brachial plexus block have produced mixed results. We compared the onset, quality and duration of analgesia produced by lidocaine, either alone or combined with sufentanil. A prospective, randomized double blind study was conducted 32 patients scheduled to undergo surgery for upper limb under axillary block. Patients were divided to two groups: those received 40 cc lidocaine 1.5% with 10 g sufentanil (sufentanil group) or 40 cc lidocaine 1.5% with the normal saline (control group). Onset time and duration of sensory and motor block, quality of analgesia and offset time of analgesia were recorded. Demographic data such as weight and gender were identical in both groups. Onset time of sensory and motor block were identical in both groups (p>0.05). Duration of analgesia was significantly shorter in sufentanil group (21017.51 min) than control group (237.1919.23 min) (p<0.001). There was no difference in visual analogue scale (VAS) in both groups (p>0.05). Incidence of nausea and vomiting was greater in sufentanil group (43.75% vs 18.7%). We concluded that addition of 10g sufentanil to 1.5% lidocaine for axillary block did not prolong duration of analgesia and did not improve in onset time and quality of analgesia produced by block. It resulted to increase side effects such as nausea and vomiting.