Hoarseness following brachial plexus block

A case is described in which the patient developed hoarseness following a left brachial plexus block, using the supraclavicular approach. Possible paralysis of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve is discussed. (AU)

Epidural analgesia during labour at the University Hospital of the West Indies

Thirty-two patients were given epidural analgesia during labour at the University Hospital of the West Indies. The majority were impressed by the quality of analgesia provided by the technique and have requested this form of pain relief for subsequent deliveries. The complications were few and transient. The advantages far outweighed the few disadvantages of the technique. It is hoped that a more frequent and widespread application of this satisfactory form of pain relief will be practised in hospitals throughout the West Indies (AU)

Intrathecal Pethidine as sole anaesthetic agent for operative procedures of the lower limb, inguinal area and perineum

Intrathecal pethidine as a sole anaesthetic agent for surgical procedures of the lower limbs, perineum and inguinal areas was investigated and compared with hyperbaric Bupivacaine. A total of 90 patients were randomly divided into groups 1 (bupivacaine) and 2 (pethidine). In group 2, 26 of 46 patients (59 percent) had their procedures successfully with intrathecal pethidine alone and did not require or request any additional sedation or analgesia. This compared to 24 of 44 patients (52.2 percent) in the bupivacaine group. Pethidine had a prolonged postoperative analgesia and was more cost-effective. The incidences of side effects were acceptable. (hypotension 13.6 percent, bradycardia 9.09 percent, nausea and vomiting 11.4 percent, and pruritus 15.9 percent). Pethidine can be used as a sole anaesthetic agent for operative procedures of the lower limbs; side effects are mild and can be treated. (AU)