The effect of Paracetamol addition on Lidocaine and Prilocaine in intravenous regional anesthesia

Background and aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of paracetamol added as an adjuvant to intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) with lidocaine and prilocaine on patient satisfaction in patients applying for hand and forearm surgery. Materials and methods: This study was approved by the Ethical Committee of KTU Medical Faculty. After obtaining written informed consent 46 patients between the ages of 18-65, ASA 1-2 physical status undergoing hand and forearm surgery were included in this study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group Control (n=23) and Group Paracetamol (n=23). Group C was administered intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) with 1.5 mg/kg 1% of lidocaine and 1.5 mg/kg 1% of prilocaine. Group P was administered IVRA with the same local anesthetics and 1 mg/kg paracetamol. The study solutions were completed to 40 ml with saline. Mann-Whitney U test is used for numeric parameters without normal distribution and the student’s t test is used for numeric parameters with normal distribution. Q square was used for ordinal parameters. A p value <0.05 is regarded as statistically significant. Demographic data, onset recovery of motor and sensorial block, durations of tourniquet and operation, VAS values, analgesic requirements, and patient satisfaction were recorded. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of demographics, onset and recovery of motor and sensory block times, duration of operation, duration of tourniquet, VAS values analgesic requirements (p>0.05). Patient satisfaction was higher in Group P when compared with Group C (p<0.01). Conclusion: We conclude that the addition of 1 mg/kg paracetamol into the mixture of lidocaine and prilocaine in IVRA may improve patient satisfaction.