Comparison of the perivascular and paresthetic techniques of axillary brachial plexus block was made in two groups of 40 patients undergiong elective upper limb surgery. The results were as follows. Complete block were 16 cases(80%) in perivascular group, 17 cases(85%) in paresthetic group and total failure was abscent. Among incomplete block, radial nerve were 6 cases, ulnar never 2 cases and median nerve 1 case. There is no statistical difference between the two techniques. It is suggested that the axillary brachial plexus block is best suited for surgery of the forearm and hand, especially when surgery is in the area innervated by the median and ulnar nerves.