Supraclavicular block with Mepivacaine vs Ropivacaine, their impact on postoperative pain: a prospective randomised study

Background Supraclavicular block (SCB) with long-acting local anaesthetic is commonly used for surgical repair of distal radial fractures (DRF). Studies have shown a risk for rebound pain when the block fades. This randomised single-centre study aimed to compare pain and opioid consumption the first three days post-surgery between SCB-mepivacaine vs. SCB-ropivacaine, with general anaesthesia (GA) as control. Methods Patients (n = 90) with ASA physical status 1–3 were prospectively randomised to receive; SCB with mepivacine 1%, 25–30 ml (n = 30), SCB with ropivacaine 0.5%, 25–30 ml (n = 30) or GA (n = 30) with propofol/fentanyl/sevoflurane. Study objectives compared postoperative pain with Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and sum postoperative Opioid Equivalent Consumption (OEC) during the first 3 days post-surgery between study-groups. Results The three groups showed significant differences in postoperative pain-profile. Mean NRS at 24 h was significantly lower for the SCB-mepivacaine group (p = 0.018). Further both median NRS and median OEC day 0 to 3 were significanly lower in the SCB-mepivacaine group as compared to the SCB-ropivacaine group during the first three days after surgery; pain NRS 1 (IQR 0.3–3.3) and 2.7 (IQR 1.3–4.2) (p = 0.017) and OEC 30 mg (IQR 10–80) and 85 mg (IQR 45–125) (p = 0.004), respectively. The GA-group was in between both in pain NRS and median sum OEC. Unplanned healthcare contacts were highest among SCB-ropivacaine patients (39.3%) vs. SCB-mepivacaine patients (0%) and GA-patients (3.4%). Conclusions The potential benefit of longer duration of analgesia, associated to a long-acting local anaesthetic agent, during the early postoperative course must be put in perspective of potential worse pain progression following block resolution. Trial registration NCT03749174 (clinicaltrials.gov, Nov 21, 2018, retrospectively registered).

A comparative study between Bupivacaine volumes on diaphragmatic mobility in Ultrasound guided Supraclavicular Block

Background Brachial plexus is a complex network of nerves supplying the whole upper limb, with both motor and sensory supply. It arises from the neck and passes through the axilla to the upper limb. It is composed of 5 roots, 3 trunks, 6 divisions, 3 cords, and terminal branches. Objective To compare the effect of two different volumes of bupivacaine (20 ml and 25 ml) on diaphragmatic mobility within 15 and 30 minutes from ultrasound guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block in upper limb orthopedic surgeries. Patients and Methods In our study, 40 patients were randomly divided into 2 equal groups. Group A received 20 ml of bupivacaine (0.5%) and group B in which patients received 25 ml of bupivacaibe (0.5%). Diaphragmatic excursion measured in both groups after 15 and 30 mins sequentially. Results Our study showed that the use of low volume of bupivacine has much lower incidence of phrenic nerve affection, and in turn affection of mobility of the diaphragm measured by diaphragmatic excursion. Conclusion Assessment of diaphragmatic excursion is the best indication of phernic nerve injury after supraclavicular block. The use of the ultrasonography is the fastes, easiest and safest method for this assessment. The use of ultrasonography in performing the supraclavicular nerve block decreased significantly the incidence of complications such as pneumothorax or intravascular injection and hence, lowered the incidence of systemic toxicity of local anesthetics.

Hemidiaphragmatic paralysis following costoclavicular versus supraclavicular brachial plexus block: a randomized controlled trial

Costoclavicular brachial plexus block is emerging as a promising infraclavicular approach performed just below the clavicle. However, there are relatively little data regarding the hemidiaphragmatic paralysis (HDP) compared to the commonly performed supraclavicular block. We hypothesized that the incidence of HDP in costoclavicular block is lower than supraclavicular block like classical infraclavicular approach. Eighty patients were randomly assigned to ultrasound-guided supraclavicular (group S) or costoclavicular (group C) block with 25 mL of local anesthetics (1:1 mixture of 1% lidocaine and 0.75% ropivacaine). The primary outcome was the incidence of HDP, defined as less than 20% of fractional change in the diaphragm thickness on ultrasound M-mode. Also, pulmonary function test and chest radiograph were assessed before and after the surgery. The incidence of HDP was 4/35 (11.4%) in the group C and 19/40 (47.5%) in the group S (risk difference, − 36%; 95% CI − 54 to − 17%; P = 0.002). The mean (SD) change of DTF values were 30.3% (44.0) and 56.9% (39.3) in the group C and S, respectively (difference in means, − 26.6%; 95% CI − 45.8 to − 7.4%; P = 0.007). The pulmonary function was more preserved in group C than in group S. The determined diagnostic cut off value of the diaphragm elevation on chest radiograph was 29 mm. Despite the very contiguous location of the two approaches around the clavicle, costoclavicular block can significantly reduce the risk of HDP compared with supraclavicular block.

Hoarseness of Voice following Left Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block: A Case Report

Supraclavicular brachial plexus block is extensively used for primary regional anaesthesia as well as postoperative analgesia for the surgical procedures of the upper limb. The evidence for the use of ultrasound in supraclavicular brachial plexus is growing day by day as it has the advantage of allowing real time visualisation of the plexus, pleura and vessels along with the needle and local anaesthetics spread. Despite this, complications can even arise with ultrasound guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Hoarseness of voice due to recurrent laryngeal nerve block is a rare complication of supraclavicular brachial plexus block. There are few reported cases of hoarseness of voice following the right supraclavicular block. There is only one reported case of hoarseness of voice following the left supraclavicular block. Here, we report a case of a 16-year-old boy who developed hoarseness of voice due to left recurrent laryngeal nerve following ultrasound guided left supraclavicular brachialplexus block.

Successful Conduction of Mid-Humeral Fracture Surgery Under Ultrasound- Guided Supraclavicular Block an a Case of Cervical Scoliosis with Fixed Contracture Deformity Neck and Multiple Comorbidities

Introduction: Regional anaesthesia has been proven lifesaver in many tough anaesthetic situations that demand good operative conditions yet are prone to put the patient under increased risk of post-operative complications including prolonged ICU stays even increasing overall mortality when general anaesthesia is chosen as primary anaesthesia modality. Use of ultrasound has revolutionised our approach to regional anaesthesia and many cases which would otherwise be deemed unfit for usual anatomy based approaches can now be conducted with enhanced precision and safety. Case presentation: We present on such case in a 69-year-old male patient with multiple high-risk factors that precluded safe conduction of general anaesthesia, with the presence of cervical scoliosis with fixed contracture neck making anatomy impossible for a blind approach to brachial plexus. Even with help of ultrasound interscalene level was not accessible due to contracture. The successful supraclavicular block was made possible as we could make a clear distinction between vessels, pleura and rib at that level although the cords appeared haphazardly placed and stretched not conforming to usual anatomy at the level. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of regional anaesthesia under ultrasound guidance in such complex high-risk cases. As the experience with ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia continues to grow internationally, we are on our steep learning curve appreciating the benefits and respecting the limitations of this developing technology.

Pulse Oximeter Perfusion Index as a Predictor of Successful Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

Objective Ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block is a popular anesthetic technique for upper limb surgeries. Assessing the success sensory and motor block using conventional methods is time consuming and also it needs patient co-operation. In the present study, objective method like increase in perfusion index is used to predict the success of ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block. Materials and Methods This prospective trial consists of total 95 patients undergoing elective upper limb procedures. All patients received ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block using 0.5% bupivacaine 20 mL. Sensory and motor blocks were evaluated every 5 minutes followed by pinprick testing and ability to flex the elbow and the hand against gravity, respectively. The perfusion index was measured using pulse oximetry applied on the index finger and recorded at baseline and 10, 20, and 30 minutes interval after local anesthetic injection in both the blocked limb and the contralateral unblocked limb using two separate pulse oximeters. Results Perfusion index increased in blocked arm after 5 minutes compared with unblocked arm and also to its baseline value. Both perfusion index and perfusion index ratio in blocked arm were found statistically significant. Conclusion To evaluate the success of supraclavicular block, perfusion index can be considered as a useful tool.

Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant for extension of postoperative analgesia in ropivacaine induced supraclavicular brachial plexus block

Pain is recognized as the fifth vital sign. The pain must be adequately treated esp. in postoperative period. The study was carried out at Department of Anesthesiology, Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences Indore. The aim of the study was to assess the role of Dexmedetomidine in extension of post-operative analgesia. The study included 88 participants who were equally divided randomly into two groups i.e. with and without Dexmedetomidine intervention after the inclusion and exclusion criteria’s. The duration of post-operative analgesia in both groups indicating that contemplated surgery could be finished without need for additional analgesic supplement as the minimum and maximum time for surgery were within the range of effective analgesia without movement of limb. The time for demand of dose of rescue analgesic by the patients in both groups was 493.6±48.6 minutes and 961.0±141.6 minutes. The Dexmedetomidine group had a less demand of rescue analgesia. (P = 0.000). Whereas 23(52.2%) patients of Nonintervention group needed 2 to 4 doses of injection of diclofenac sodium by intramuscular route to control pain.Addition of Dexmedetomidine 100 mcg to ropivacaine 0.5% solution for conduct of supraclavicular block improved the block quality and provided prolonged postoperative pain free period and decreased the demand of systemic analgesics.