Continuous axillary and inguinal blocks have demonstrated to provide effective postoperative analgesia. This study describes a new lateral approach to the axillary and inguinal plexus in cadavers and their applicability in postoperative analgesia and control of contamination. The study comprises anatomy observed in anterolateral dissection of the axillary and inguinal regions in a cadaver fixed in formalin and evaluation of the technique in patients. Twenty adult patients with fractures of the forearms or femur were selected. Position of the catheter through the injection of contrast media, quality of analgesia (VAS) and catheter contamination were checked in 48 hours. The distance from skin to axillary nerves was 85mm and 102mm for the lumbar plexus. Live, the distance was 87.2 (2.2) mm for the brachial plexus and 105 (3.6) mm for the lumbar plexus. The contrast medium produced an image in the medial aspect of the axillary region and in the superior third of the thigh, in the ileopectineo arch. No bacterial growth was found in the catheter culture. VAS score during movement and rest was < 30mm, without statistical difference. The lateral access to the brachial plexus in the axilla and the lumbar plexus in the inguinal fold have shown to be easy techniques to insert a catheter, promoting an excellent postoperative analgesia at rest as in movement, improving the sleep and satisfaction of all patients. A potential advantage of this approach is the reduction of bacterial growth in the catheter site.

Keyword:Anesthetic techniques, regional; anesthetic techniques-; Continuous peripheral nerve blocks- Nerve stimulator

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