Two hundred consecutive, minimally-sedated patients presenting for upp
er limb surgery were audited prospectively to determine the overall cl
inical success rate, extent of cutaneous neural blockade, reliability
and complication rate of each indicator of axillary sheath entry, and
degree of patient satisfaction. The axillary sheath was identified, us
ing a 22 gauge, short-bevelled needle, by one of four indicators, whic
hever was elicited first (paraesthesia, arterial or venous puncture, o
r tethering by the axillary sheath). Alkalinized mepivacaine 1.2%, 50
mi then was injected. The cutaneous distribution of the block was mapp
ed in the presence of minimal sedation. Anaesthesia was supplemented w
ith peripheral nerve blocks where necessary. Patients were followed up
with a mailed questionnaire and surgeon interview. The overall clinic
al success rate was 92.5%, improving to 99% with supplementary nerve b
locks. Complete anaesthesia distal to the elbow was achieved in 85% of
patients. Complications were common, but generally mild and transient
: mild acute local anaesthetic toxicity, 3.5%; axillary tenderness and
bruising, 12%; and dysaesthesias, 12.5%. Despite this, patient satisf
action was high (97%).