Abstract Issue

Volume 12 Issue 3 ( July-September ) 2023

Original Articles

Enhancing Precision in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Blocks: A Comparative Randomized Controlled Trial of Ultrasound-Guided, Ultrasound-Nerve Stimulator Combo, and Nerve Stimulator-Only Techniques
Dr. Mukesh Kumar, Dr. Sadhan Sawhney, Dr G K Narula

Background: Brachial Plexus Block has evolved as a valuable and safe alternative to GA for surgeries on upper extremities. It provides effective and reliable anaesthesia and analgesia. Successful institution of Brachial Plexus Block relies on proper techniques of nerve localization, needle placement and local anaesthetic injection. This study was designed to compare velocity, accuracy, efficacy, safety and quality of Brachial Plexus Block achieved by using any one of three techniques, viz ‘Nerve Stimulator Technique’, ‘USG guided Technique’ and ‘Combined USG Guided + Nerve Stimulator Technique’ Methods: A total of 118 patients posted for elective upper limb surgeries were enrolled for study of which 25 were excluded being ASA Grades below III or having co-morbidity; and 03 declined to participate. Remaining 90 patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups (N, U&UN) with 30 patients being included in each group. Local Anaesthetic used was 1:1 mixture of 0.5% Bupivacaine (maximum 2 mg/kg body weight) and 2% Lignocaine (maximum 5 mg/kg body weight) for achieving block. Total volume of 0.5 ml/Kg body weight was injected as a loading dose. Data collected and analyzed using relevant statistical tests. Results: There was significant difference in time taken for localization of block and onset time between N group as compared to U and UN groups. Need for supplementation and complications were more in case of N group as compared to U and UN groups. There was no significant difference between time taken for block to achieve its maximal density after injection of LA Mixture in all three groups. Conclusion:Our study demonstrates that ultrasound guided brachial plexus block (when used alone or along with nerve stimulator) using supraclavicular approach are safer and more successful in comparison to when nerve stimulator alone is used in terms of real-time needle visualization makes localisation of nerve bundles easier, safer and more accurate and local anaesthetic spread pattern during injection can be visualised in real time and manipulated to achieve a denser block, reduced no. of needle attempts for nerve localization, reduced rate of complications and overall improved quality of sensory block and success rate.

 
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