Intravenous Regional Anesthesia Bier's Block: An Experience in Upper Limb Surgeries

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effectiveness, safety and complications of Intravenous Regional Anesthesia (IVRA) or Bier's block in the upper limb surgeries. Study Design : Observational Place & Duration: Department of Orthopedics, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi-Pakistan. Material & Methods: A total of one hundred patients were randomly selected from the Accident & Emergency department and Out Patient Department (O.P.D) from 18 to 45 years of age. They were operated with Bier's block for emergency and elective procedures of the upper limb in the Department of Orthopedics at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi-Pakistan. Results: The effectiveness of Bier's block ranged from 30 to 70 minutes with an average of 50 minutes. Complications were transient tourniquet palsy and discomfort to patient. Conclusion: Bier's block is an effective form of IVRA-, preferred for short surgical procedures lasting for less than fifty minutes having limitations to tourniquets. Therefore; Bier's block is not preferred in surgical procedures of longer duration.