The Impact of Popliteal Block on Postoperative Medication Administration and Time to Discharge from the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit.

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of popliteal block anesthesia in decreasing post - operative narcotic administration, nausea, and length of stay in patients undergoing foot and ankle surgeries. The purpose of this study was to compare the amount of narcotic medication administered, the need for anti-emetic medication, PACU length of stay, and discharge status in patients treated surgically for ankle fractures who received popliteal blocks with those who received general anesthesia alone.

METHODS

All patients being treated with open reduction and internal fixation for ankle fractures were randomized to receive either general anesthesia (GETA) or popliteal block. Postoperatively, data was collected on the duration of time in the PACU before discharge to home or to a hospital floor. Additional information was collection on the amount of anti-emetic and pain medication in the PACU.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients agreed to participate in the study. There was no significant difference between the two groups with regards to the need for anti-emetic medication, the amount of pain medication received in the PACU, or amount of time spent in the PACU. Patients who received a popliteal block were no more likely to be discharged to home from the PACU than those who received general anesthesia.

DISCUSSION: While previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of popliteal block in decreasing anti-emetic and pain medication administration in the PACU, we found no difference in the amount of medication administered. We found that popliteal block patients were no more likely to be discharged to home than those who received general anesthesia.