An unusual complication of Bier's block. Issue 1 (27th March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Holl, Tanja; Woerlee, Gerald Martin
• Is Part Of: Anaesthesia cases. Volume 3:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 41
• Page End: 43
• Publication Date: 2015-03-27
• Subjects: 617.9605
• DOI: 10.21466/ac.AUCOBB2.2015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2396-8397

Abstract

Summary: Intravenous regional anaesthesia (IVRA), or Bier's block, is generally considered to be a safe and effective alternative to general anaesthesia for selected procedures involving the upper and lower limbs. Serious complications following Bier's block are rare. We present an unusual complication; the development of petechiae distal to the cuff as a result of sudden severe hypertension secondary to pain from the intravenous injection of local anaesthetic. It may be necessary to provide systemic sedation or analgesia in patients undergoing IVRA in order to improve patient tolerance and prevent hypertensive episodes resulting from discomfort or anxiety.