Abstract
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 brachial plexus block.
Highlights
Supraclavicular brachial plexus block is an excellent option for the surgical procedure from the midhumerus to the fingertips
The complication that may arise due to ultrasound guided brachial plexus block depends on the approaches to blocking the brachial plexus
There is evidence that the use of ultrasound reduces the incidence of complications like pneumothorax and local anaesthesia systemic toxicity (LAST).[4]
Summary
Supraclavicular brachial plexus block is an excellent option for the surgical procedure from the midhumerus to the fingertips. It is associated with various complications such as pneumothorax, arterial puncture, hematoma, diaphragmatic palsy, local anaesthesia systemic toxicity (LAST) and hoarseness of voice.[1] The use of ultrasound has improved the success rate of the block with excellent localisation and safety margin.[2] ultrasound can create a false sense of security. Hoarseness of voice due to recurrent laryngeal nerve block (RLN) is a rare complication of supraclavicular block.
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