Table 3.
Characteristics of peripheral nerve block (PNB)
| Type of PNB | FS† (n=19) | FOS† (n=29) | FOSL*,† (n=9) | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Block success, n (success rate=91%) | 16 | 27 | 9 | 0.339 |
| Nerve localization technique, n | ||||
| Ultrasound | 10 | 20 | 7 | 0.346 |
| US + peripheral nerve stimulator | 9 | 9 | 2 | |
| Intraoperative | ||||
| Sedation and analgesia | ||||
| Not required | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0.013** |
| Mild | 6 | 17 | 9 | |
| Moderate-deep | 9 | 9 | 0 | |
| Hemodynamic | ||||
| Stable | 16 | 22 | 9 | 0.243 |
| Required vasopressor | 3 | 7‡ | 0 |
All values are expressed in numbers; Pearson Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used where appropriate. *Two cases had bilateral AKA in the same operative setting in which blocks were performed in stages, one after another amputation: all received FOSL. **Comparison made between type of PNB and group with moderate-deep sedation plus group with mild or no sedation. †Sciatic nerve block - 82% proximal approach (parasacral, transgluteal, subgluteal), 15% mid-thigh level, 3% popliteal approach. ‡One case had dopamine infusion preoperatively and no further escalation of dose during operation. N/A=Not applicable, FS=Femoral plus sciatic nerve block, FOS=Femoral, obturator, and sciatic nerve block, FOSL=Femoral, obturator, sciatic nerve, and lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block, AKA=Above knee amputation, US=Ultrasound