[Influence of blockades with local anesthetics on the stimulation ability of a nerve by peripheral nerve stimulation. Results of a randomized study].

In the present study we examined the influence of local anesthetics on the ability to stimulate a nerve by means of peripheral nerve stimulation. In 35 patients either 5 ml saline (group 1, n=18) or local anesthetics (group 2, n=17) were injected close to the sciatic nerve in a randomized and double-blind manner. The current needed to stimulate the nerve was measured 30 s and 2 min after injection. The results showed that 30 s and 2 min after injection of local anesthetics there is a strong local anesthetic effect. Therefore nerve damage might occur despite the use of peripheral nerve stimulation. Thus, the multiple injection technique in a close anatomical area has to be considered critically, because anesthetized or partially anesthetized nerves have a lower stimulating ability and could be damaged by a second or third puncture.

RCT Entities:   Population Interventions Outcomes