Axillary Approach to Brachial Plexus Blockade Using Ketamine, Regional Versus Intravenous Administration

Administration of Ketamine to Branchial Plexus Block Using Axillary Approach : Comparative Study

The purpose of this study is to assess Ketamine as an adjuvant to Branchial Plexus Blockade.

After being informed about the study, patients giving written informed consent will undergo anaesthesia using the Ultrasound Guided Axillary Approach to Brachial Plexus Blockade, in order to undergo forearm surgery. The purpose of this study is to assess whether Ketamine as an adjuvant lengthens sensory and motor blockade and whether it has an effect on "rebound pain" when the anaesthetic effect fades. Therefore the study will compare intravenous, regional and no administration of Ketamine as an adjuvant to Branchial Plexus Blockade. Patients will be asked to fill in a Pain VAS (Visual Analog Scale) for 24 hours following the intervention, in order to assess effectiveness of each anaesthetic method. Side effects, onset time, motor blockade score and rescue dose are also recorded.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI 20-35
• ASA score I, II, III

Exclusion Criteria:

• Mental disorder
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Severe hepatic or renal disease
• Gastrointestinal bleeding history