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

Abstract

Abstract 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.