The effects of adding tramadol to ropivacaine on axillary brachial plexus blockade in uremic patients*

Materials and methods: After institutional approval and informed consent had been obtained, 45 ASA III uremic patients (age range 30-80) scheduled for arteriovenous fistula surgery were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Axillary block was performed with a peripheral nerve stimulator by multiple injection technique. Patients in Group R (n = 23) received 38 mL of ropivacaine (3.75 mg/mL) and 2 mL of normal saline, and patients in group RT (n = 22) received 38 mL of ropivacaine (3.75 mg/mL) and 2 mL of tramadol (50 mg/mL). The onset and duration of sensory and motor block in the distribution of the radial, median, and ulnar nerves; the duration of analgesia; the time to first requirement of analgesic; hemodynamics; and side effects were recorded.