Abstract No.: ABS2090: Comparison of subgluteus approach with classic posterior approach for sciatic nerve block with femoral block for below knee surgeries

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Sciatic nerve can be blocked by various approaches. Our aim of the study was to compare the ease and time of performance by posterior subgluteus approach with the classic posterior approach along with a femoral block for lower limb surgeries using peripheral nerve stimulator (PNS). METHODS: Patients belonging to ASA grade I,II,III, aged 18-65 years were randomly allocated in two groups with 30 in each group: group L Labat’s posterior approach and group S subgluteus approach RESULTS: The time from needle insertion to sciatic stimulation was 60 sec in Group L and 32 sec in group S. Depth in cm was 6.7±1.2 and 4.5±1.3 in group L and Group S respectively. The number of attempts to perform block in group L was 1.97±1.12 and 1.3±0.59 in group S. The discomfort during the procedure was less in group S compared to group L. In group L, 5 patients [16.6%] and 2 patients [6.6 %] in group S required intraoperative analgesia. CONCLUSION: PNS guided posterior subgluteus approach for sciatic nerve block can be considered as a safe, reliable and useful alternative, requires lesser attempts, time to perform and less discomfort compared to the Labat’s classic approach.