BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to compare low concentration-high volume intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) method with local anesthetic method in upper extremity surgery in terms of efficiency and adverse effects.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients were divided into 2 groups; the first group received a 2% concentration of 12–15 mL lidocaine (Group 1) and the second group received a 0.5% concentration of 30–50 mL lidocaine (Group 2). Intraoperative hemodynamic data of patients (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean blood pressure, heart rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation- SpO2) was recorded before and after anesthesia at 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 40 minutes.

RESULTS: The intergroup and intragroup comparisons did not reveal any significant differences in hemodynamic data. The onset time of sensorial block was shorter and the regression time of sensorial block was longer in Group 1 than Group 2. Group 1 had shorter onset time of motor block and longer regression time of motor block than Group 2. There were no significant differences between the study groups in terms of the time of tourniquet and postoperative analgesia time.

CONCLUSIONS: IVRA technique applied with 2% concentration and volume of 12–15 mL lidocaine may be suggested as a safe option.

Keywords: Anesthesia, Conduction - methods, Anesthesia, Intravenous - methods, Arm - surgery, Dose-Response Relationship, Drug, Hemodynamics - drug effects, Lidocaine - pharmacology, Time Factors, Turkey