Evaluation of efficacy and plasma concentrations of ropivacaine in continuous axillary brachial plexus block: High dose for surgical anesthesia and low dose for postoperative analgesia

Abstract

Ropivacaine is safe and effective for axillary brachial plexus block. The continuous infusion of 0.1% or 0.2% ropivacaine was no more beneficial than an infusion of saline in relieving postoperative pain in patients having elective hand surgery. None of the infusions were sufficient to adequately treat the patients' pain without the addition of adjunct agents.