The addition of tramadol to lidocaine does not reduce tourniquet and postoperative pain during iv regional anesthesia

Abstract

Purpose: We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind study to determine whether the combination of tramadol with lidocaine 0.5% had an analgesic effect on tourniquet pain during iv regional anesthesia and also on postoperative pain. Methods: Thirty patients scheduled for carpal tunnel decompression were included in the study. Each patient received 3 mg·kg-1 of plain lidocaine 0.5% with 100 mg of tramadol (Group T) or 2 mL of isotonic saline (Group C). The mixture was injected into the isolated and exsanguinated arm. Pain was assessed using a linear visual analog scale and a verbal rate scale during the surgical procedure and the postoperative period (240 min) and subsequently at interview at 24 hr. Analgesic consumption was recorded. Result: There was no difference in the pain scales and analgesic request at any of the time periods studied. Conclusion: We conclude, therefore, that for carpal tunnel operation under iv regional anesthesia, the combination of tramadol and lidocaine is not more effective than lidocaine alone.