PLASMA-CONCENTRATIONS OF BUPIVACAINE FOLLOWING SINGLE NEEDLE LUMBAR SYMPATHECTOMY USING 2 VOLUMES OF 0.25-PERCENT BUPIVACAINE PLAIN SOLUTION

Plasma buipvacaine concentrations were measured in 10 patients after l umbar sympathectomy using 10 ml or 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine plain so lution. A single needle technique was employed, positioned at the L(3) level. Mean peak concentrations were greater in the larger volume gro up and were statistically significant at 20, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min. P lasma bupivacaine levels peaked earlier in the smaller volume group. S ome patients in the larger volume group still had plasma bupivacaine l evels at or near peak values at 120 min. No patient approached toxic p lasma levels of bupivacaine.