RESUMO
The effectiveness of morphine, administered into the brachial plexus, for postoperative pain control following surgery on the upper extremities, was evaluated in 20 patients. All patients, aged 15-45 years, allocated into two groups, received 35 ml of 0.33 percent bupivacaine, injected into the brachial plexus using the supraclavicular technique. In addition to the local anesthetic, 10 patients in Group II received morphine hydrocloride 50 ug/Kg. Using a three-point pain scale, the quality of analgesia was evaluated at a 12, 24 and 36 hours postoperatively. A significant difference in the quality of analgesia was found, being consistently superior with morphine (Group II). We conclude that morphine injection into the brachial plexus is an efficient way to assure control of postoperative pain after surgery on the upper extremities
