Evaluation of regional anaesthesia procedure in an emergency department

Objectives: Evaluation of regional anaesthesia procedures for limb traumatic surgery performed in an emergency department. Method: Anaesthetic procedures concerning traumatic emergencies have been studied from 1995 to 2000. Results: A 32% increase in anaesthesia practice was observed from 1995 (221) to 2000 (292) with a 52% increase in regional anaesthesia. Since 1996, regional anaesthesia represents more than 80% of the anaesthetic procedures and 90% for the upper limb surgery (66% of the surgical procedures). Axillary block (50%), interscalene brachial plexus block (15%) and combined sciatic and femoral nerve block (17%) were the main regional anaesthesia procedures. Spinal anaesthesia (9 cases) and intravenous locoregional anaesthesia (12 cases) were rarely used. Conclusion: In our study, regional anaesthesia is the most used technique when compared to general anaesthesia for emergency procedure. The anaesthetic staff has to be motivated and trained. (C) 2002 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.