ADDITION OF ATRACURIUM TO LIDOCAINE FOR INTRAVENOUS REGIONAL ANESTHESIA

This study was undertaken to examine the possible clinical advantages of using muscle relaxant with intravenous regional anaesthesia, (IVRA) . Ferry unpremedicated adult patients undergoing hand surgery were ran domly allocated to receive either 40 mi 0.5% lidocaine or 40 mi 0.5% l idocaine with 2 mg of atracurium. The atracurium group of patients had a significantly greater degree of muscle relaxation, easier reduction of fractures, and better operative conditions (P<0.01). Less pain was also reported during surgery (P<0.025), and 5 and 15 min after releas e of the tourniquet (P<0.01). Clinically, there was no difference in t he speed of onset of block between the two groups. It is concluded tha t the addition of atracurium to lidocaine improves the operating condi tion during IVRA with less pain during and after surgery.