In this study we aimed to investigate clinically whether morphine acts
on the peripheral nervous system directly. Twenty adult patients, who
were scheduled for upper extremity surgery under tourniquet, had intr
avenous regional anesthesia. They were divided into true groups: one g
roup was given 30 ml of 1% prilocaine plus 10 mi of 0.9% sodium chlori
de CP group) and the other group was given 30 mi of 1% prilocaine plus
6 mg morphine sulfate in 10 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride P/M group). Th
e onset of analgesia and anesthesia and recovery from anesthesia and a
nalgesia were investigated in both groups. In the P/M group, the onset
of analgesia and anesthesia was statistically faster and the recovery
from anesthesia and analgesia was statistically slower than in the P
group (P<0.05). We conclude that morphine is clinically effective in t
he peripheral nervous system at this dosage range.