BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Subgluteus sciatic nerve block has been successfully described in a previous study and is one more option among several possible approaches. The sciatic nerve becomes superficial at inferior gluteus maximus muscle where it is easily located and accessed with minor discomfort and low risk of accidental great vessels puncture. Our study aimed at evaluating this simplified sciatic nerve block approach with different 1% lidocaine volumes. METHODS: Participated in this study 40 patients submitted to leg or foot procedures, who were distributed in two groups. Patients were placed in the prone position after monitoring and blockade was induced at mid gluteofemoral sulcus with the aid of neurostimulator and with beveled insulated 5 cm needle, with 300 mg (G1) or 200 mg (G2) of 1% plain lidocaine. RESULTS: Used volumes and concentrations have promoted adequate anesthesia in all patients. Blockade time was 8.6 ± 5.7 min (G1) and 5.6 ± 5.7 min (G2). Onset time was 5.98 ± 1.4 min (G1) and 6.7 ± 2.9 min (G2). Sensory and motor block duration was 243 ± 37 min and 152 ± 30 min (G1), and 235 ± 39 min and 149 ± 59 min (G2), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: This is an effective and easy approach and total anesthetic dose may be decreased without impairing quality.
ANATOMY; ANESTHESIA, Regional; ANESTHETICS, Local; ANESTHETIC TECHNIQUES, Regional
