CLINICAL CASES Free access

Minerva Anestesiologica 2005 May;71(5):223-6

Copyright © 2005 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English, Italian

Femoral and sciatic nerves block (BiBlock) in orthopedic traumatologic lower limbs surgery in patients with multiple sclerosis

Ingrosso M. ¹, Cirillo V. ², Papasso A. ², Merolla V. ², Cecere F. ²

¹ Anesthesia and Resuscitation Service S. Maria della Speranza Hospital Battipaglia (SA), Italy 2 Postgraduate School of Anesthesiology Department of Anesthesiological Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive demyelinating disease which affects large areas of the brain and of the spinal cord. Stressful events, surgical procedures, general anaesthesia and central blocks seem to be responsible for relapses, with worsening of the disease. So, when we scheduled 2 patients with multiple sclerosis for lower limbs orthpedic traumatologic surgery, we decided to use a peripheral block, and in particular a BiBlock. The patients’ evaluation in the immediate postoperative course and 30 days after surgery has shown no relapses of the disease. In the literature, however, data about anaesthesia and multiple sclerosis are few and controversial, sometimes in contrast. Anyway, the use of peripheral blocks has neither anatomic, nor metabolic interferences with the lesion sites of multiple sclerosis. In conclusion, peripheral block is safe and it is the technique of choice for this type of patients, when surgery allows it.