Brachial Plexus Block Anesthesia Research Articles

Delayed Quadriparesis After an Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block and General Anesthesia: A Differential Diagnosis

Interscalene brachial plexus block has been widely used for upper limb surgery. Different neurological complications related to this technique have been published. We report a case of quadriparesis of delayed onset, without loss of consciousness or cardiopulmonary compromise after an interscalene block and general anesthesia in a seated position. Postoperative quadriparesis, although infrequent, can occur through different causes and mechanisms. Central progression of an interscalene block can produce acute or subacute quadriparesis depending on technical factors of the placement of the local anesthetic and its subsequent spread. The symptomatology and the imaging enabled us to refine the differential diagnoses and to exclude other causes of neurologic compromise.

An Estimation of the Minimum Effective Anesthetic Volume of 2% Lidocaine in Ultrasound-guided Axillary Brachial Plexus Block

Ultrasound guidance facilitates precise needle and injectate placement, increasing axillary block success rates, reducing onset times, and permitting local anesthetic dose reduction. The minimum effective volume of local anesthetic in ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block is unknown. The authors performed a study to estimate the minimum effective anesthetic volume of 2% lidocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine (2% LidoEpi) in ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block. After ethical approval and informed consent, patients undergoing hand surgery of less than 90 min duration were recruited. A step-up/step-down study model was used with nonprobability sequential dosing based on the outcome of the previous patient. The starting dose of 2% LidoEpi was 4 ml per nerve. Block failure resulted in a dose increase of 0.5 ml; block success in a reduction of 0.5 ml.A blinded assistant assessed sensory and motor blockade at 5-min intervals up to 30 min. Block performance time and duration were measured. Two predetermined stopping points were used; a minimum of five consecutive block success/failures and five consecutive successful blocks at 1 ml per nerve. The study was terminated when five consecutive patients had successful blocks using 1 ml of 2% LidoEpi per nerve (overall group n = 11). All five patients had surgical anesthesia within 10 min. The mean (SD) block performance time was 445 (100) s, and block duration was 190 min (range 120-310 min). All surgical procedures were performed under regional anesthesia with anxiolytic sedation provided in 3 of 11 cases. Successful ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block may be performed with 1 ml per nerve of 2% LidoEpi.

Perioperative ulnar neuropathy following shoulder surgery under combined interscalene brachial plexus block and general anaesthesia

Perioperative ulnar neuropathy following shoulder surgery under combined interscalene brachial plexus block and general anaesthesia

Groin Flap Immobilization by Axillary Brachial Plexus Block Anesthesia

Pedicled groin flaps are still widely used as soft tissue coverage in hand surgery. Various methods have been described for immobilization of flaps, such as Ace wraps, plaster, and external fixators. The hands of 5 females and 12 males, totaling 17 patients, with severe injury were reconstructed with groin flaps between 2001 and 2005. Patients were operated on under a combination of axillary block and general anesthesia. Motor block effect of axillary anesthesia was used for immobilization of the upper extremities at groin flap coverage. A combination of axillary brachial plexus block plus general anesthesia had advantages in the prevention of pedicle tension or torsion during the initial recovery period. Reduction of general anesthesia time and improvement of postoperative pain were also observed. Axillary brachial plexus block and general anesthesia are a preferred combination for patients undergoing groin flap operations.

A Comparison of the Efficacy of a Local Vs Brachial Plexus Block Anaesthesia in the Carpal Tunnel Release: The Results of a Prospective and Randomised Trial

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Comparative Study between Tramadol and Dexamethasone as an admixture to Bupivacaine in Supraclaivcular Brachial Plexus Block.

This is a prospective, randomized, double blind study to evaluate the postoperative analgesia following supraclavicular brachial plexus block with Tramadol or Dexamethasone as an admixture to bupivacaine in upper extremity surgery. Total 60 patients of ASA I and II undergoing upper extremity surgery under brachial plexus block with Bupivacaine were randomly divided in to two groups; one group received Tramadol (2 mg/kg) and the other group received Dexamethasone (8 mg) as an admixture to Bupivacaine. The duration of postoperative analgesia was recorded in both groups using pain VAS score which was determined by maximum VAS score of 8-10 and when patient demands for additional analgesics. The mean duration of postoperative analgesia in the Dexamethasone group was 1028.00 minutes while in the tramadol group it was 453.17 minutes We concluded that Dexamethasone with local anaesthetic prolongs postoperative analgesia significantly than Tramadol (P<0.05) when used as admixture to local anaesthetic in brachial plexus block in upper extremity surgery.

Estudo comparativo da eficácia analgésica pós-operatória de 20, 30 ou 40 mL de ropivacaína no bloqueio de plexo braquial pela via posterior

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: As intervenções cirúrgicas por via artroscópica no ombro estão relacionadas com a dor pós-operatória de grande intensidade. Dentre as técnicas de analgesia, o bloqueio do plexo braquial é a que oferece os melhores resultados. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar qual volume de anestésico local no bloqueio de plexo braquial pela via posterior propicia analgesia pós-operatória para essas operações de maneira mais eficiente. MÉTODO: Noventa pacientes submetidos a bloqueio do plexo braquial pela via posterior foram divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos de 30. Grupo 1 - volume de 20 mL; Grupo 2 - volume de 30 mL; e Grupo 3 - volume de 40 mL. Em todos os grupos, o anestésico usado foi a ropivacaína a 0,375%. O bloqueio foi avaliado por meio da pesquisa de sensibilidade térmica utilizando-se algodão embebido em álcool e a dor pós-operatória foi avaliada seguindo-se uma escala numérica verbal (ENV) nas primeiras 24 horas. RESULTADOS: Nos três grupos a analgesia pós-operatória foi similar segundo os parâmetros avaliados; ENV de dor média, tempo até a primeira queixa de dor e consumo de opióides no pós-operatório. No grupo de 20 mL houve um maior consumo de analgésicos não-opióides após a 12ª hora de pós-operatório. Nos grupos de 30 e 40 mL a extensão do bloqueio foi muito maior. CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo mostrou que o bloqueio do plexo braquial pela via posterior é uma técnica que promove analgesia eficaz para intervenções cirúrgicas no ombro. Os três diferentes volumes estudados promoveram analgesia similar. A maior extensão do bloqueio com volumes maiores não se traduziu em melhor analgesia.

The types and severity of complications associated with interscalene brachial plexus block anesthesia: Local and national evidence

Interscalene brachial plexus block is a commonly used anesthetic. However, substantial complications can be associated with its use. Our study included 15 years of data from a local medical center and 3 decades of records from the national American Society of Anesthesiology Closed Claims Project. The hospital had 27 peripheral neurologic injuries, 3 central nervous system complications, 6 respiratory complications, and 5 cardiovascular complications. Of these complications, 14 were still present at the most recent follow-up, some causing major compromise of the patient's comfort and function. All central blocks, local toxicities, and respiratory complications resolved. In the hospital series, more experienced anesthesiologists tended to have lower complication rates. The American Society of Anesthesiology Closed Claims database had 20 peripheral neurologic injuries, 10 respiratory complications, 5 central nervous system complications, 4 deaths, 2 emotional disturbances, and 1 other unknown event. Of the complications, 19 were described as permanent. Interscalene brachial plexus block can be accompanied by substantial and disabling complications, especially when administered by less experienced anesthesiologists.

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Introduction: The success and complications associated with interscalene brachial plexus block (IBPB) anesthesia for shoulder surgery have been reviewed in recent retrospective reports with wide variability in results and differing conclusions. Numerous prior case reports have documented significant complications related to IBPB anesthesia. Those same reports generally conclude that the success of IBPB is less than optimal. Further, those reports conclude that IBPB should not be performed on patients who are heavily sedated or under general anesthesia because of the risk of undetectable intraneural injection of local anesthetic. This prospective study was undertaken to study the safety and efficacy of IBPB performed on patients after induction of general anesthesia. Methods: Following IRB approval, 500 consecutive consenting patients undergoing a variety of open and arthroscopic shoulder surgeries were enrolled in this study. For inclusion, the IBPB had to be performed by an anesthesiologist skilled and experienced in IBPB after the patient had been administered general anesthesia. Blocks were performed with an insulated needle, and a nerve stimulator was utilized to determine appropriate needle placement. Stimulation of the biceps brachia muscle, without stimulation of the phrenic nerve, with the current produced by the nerve stimulator set below 0.5 milliamps was required. Bupivicaine 0.5% with epinephrine 1:200,000 (40 ml) was instilled. Aspiration was performed after every 5 ml of injected fluid to ensure the absence of blood in the aspirate. Corticosteroid (Kenalog 25 mg) was randomly added to the anesthetic injection in some patients, while others received anesthetic without steroid. Adverse events were noted and followed, and the success and duration of each block was documented. Results: Mean time required for the performance of the blocks (positioning and preparation of the head/neck, needle placement, and instillation of meds) was 5.5 minutes. Mean current for nerve stimulation was 0.30 milliamps. The block was successful in 490 (98%) of the 500 cases. Overall mean block duration for all patients was 26 hours. Mean duration of analgesia for blocks performed without steroid was 20 hours. Mean duration for blocks performed with steroid was 28 hours. Immediate post-operative adverse side effects occurred in 54 patients (11%), including: Horner’s syndrome in 37 patients, mild subjective dyspnea due to phrenic nerve dysfunction in 7, severe subjective dyspnea in 3, and hoarseness due to recurrent laryngeal nerve dysfunction in 7. No patient suffered a pneumothorax. No treatment was required for the side effects of the IBPB. One block was aborted after instillation of 20 ml of Bupivicaine (without steroid) due to aspiration of blood during the routine intrablock aspiration check. That patient experienced 19 hours of post-injection analgesia. Nine patients noted persistent hypesthesia and/or paresthesia in the distal portion of the upper extremity after resolution of the analgesic effect of the IBPB. These symptoms resolved in less than one week in 4 patients. The remaining 5 patients had hypesthesis/paresthesia lasting longer than 2 weeks, but all noted spontaneous resolution between 2 weeks and 3 months post-IBPB. No patient had lasting sensory symptoms and no patient experienced persistent motor deficits. Conclusion: IBPB performed on patients under general anesthesia was found to be safe (no serious or permanent complications) and effective (98% success). It provided a satisfactory duration of effective analgesia (26 hours). Minor short-lasting adverse side effects occurred in 11% of patients, and temporary minor neurologic adverse events occurred in 2%. If noted, the author indicates something of value received. The codes are identified as follows: a, research or institutional support; b, miscellaneous funding; c, royalties; d, stock options; e, consultant or employee. *The Food and Drug Administration has not cleared the drug and/or medical device for the use described in this presentation (ie, the drug or medical device is being discussed for an “off-label” use). If noted, the author indicates something of value received. The codes are identified as follows: a, research or institutional support; b, miscellaneous funding; c, royalties; d, stock options; e, consultant or employee. *The Food and Drug Administration has not cleared the drug and/or medical device for the use described in this presentation (ie, the drug or medical device is being discussed for an “off-label” use).

The Effect of Distal Tourniquet in the Axillary Brachial Plexus Block

Background: We investigated the effect of distal tourniquet to the proximal spread of local anesthetics in the axillary brachial plexus block. Methods: In this prospective, randomized, controlled trial, 60 patients undergoing elective surgery were divided into two equal groups; Group I (2% mepivacaine 20 ml plus 1% lidocaine 20 ml with 250 mmHg of distal tourniquet) and Group II (2% mepivacaine 20 ml plus 1% lidocaine 20 ml alone). Patients were left for 30 minutes after an axillary brachial plexus block with paresthesia and single injection technique. Sensory blockades were evaluated by pin prick test at each nerve dermatome. Results: There was no significant difference of sensory blockade in radial nerve, but there were significant differences of sensory blockade in ulnar, median, musculocutaneous, medial antebrachial cutaneous, and axillary nerves (P ＜ 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the quality and effect of axillary brachial plexus block in group with distal tourniquet is better than the control group. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2007; 52: 291~5)

Use of Neostigmine in the Management of Acute Postoperative Pain and Labour Pain

Neostigmine is a parasympathomimetic agent that has been recently investigated for use as an adjunct analgesic agent in the perioperative and peripartum period. A number of studies have investigated the intrathecal, epidural, caudal and intra-articular routes of administration of this agent, as well as the addition of neostigmine to local anaesthetics used for brachial plexus block and intravenous regional anaesthesia. While the intrathecal administration of neostigmine produced useful analgesic effects in the postoperative period in some studies, the high incidence of adverse events, mainly nausea and vomiting, limit the clinical usefulness of this route of administration. Several studies investigated the postoperative analgesic effects of epidural neostigmine using a number of different regimens. Overall, this route of administration appeared to improve postoperative analgesia in most studies without increasing the incidence of adverse events, and merits further research. Neuraxial administration of neostigmine appears to be safe in the obstetric population, with no reported adverse effects in the mother or fetus. While intrathecal administration is limited by a high incidence of nausea and vomiting in this patient population, the epidural route appears more promising and requires further investigation. The addition of neostigmine to caudal local anaesthetics was associated with improved postoperative analgesia in a number of studies. A dose of 2 microg/kg proved to be effective in several studies but was associated with an increased incidence of vomiting in some studies. Intra-articular administration of neostigmine 500microg produced a useful analgesic effect in the postoperative period in several studies and was not associated with an increase in the incidence of adverse effects. Studies investigating the efficacy of adding neostigmine to the local anaesthetics used for brachial plexus block and intravenous regional anaesthesia reported conflicting results. Further studies are required to determine the place of the administration of neostigmine by these routes.

Brachial plexus block with midazolam and bupivacaine improves analgesia

Adjuncts to local anesthetics for brachial plexus block may enhance the quality and duration of analgesia. Midazolam, a water-soluble benzodiazepine, is known to produce antinociception and enhance the effect of local anesthetics when given epidurally or intrathecally. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of midazolam added to brachial plexus anesthesia. A prospective, randomized, double blind study was conducted on 40 ASA I or II adult patients undergoing upper limb surgeries under supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in Group B (n = 20) were administered 30 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine and Group BM (n = 20) were given 30 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine with midazolam 50 microg x kg(-1). Hemodynamic variables (i.e., heart rate, noninvasive blood pressure), pain scores and rescue analgesic requirements were recorded for 24 hr postoperatively. The onset of sensory and motor block was significantly faster in Group BM compared to Group B (P < 0.05). Pain scores were significantly higher in Group B compared to Group BM from two hours to 24 hr postoperatively (P < 0.05). Rescue analgesic requirements were significantly less in Group BM compared to Group B (P < 0.05). Hemodynamics and sedation scores did not differ between groups in the post-operative period. Midazolam (50 microg x kg(-1)) in combination with 30 mL of bupivacaine (0.5%) hastened onset of sensory and motor block, and improved postoperative analgesia when used in brachial plexus block, without producing any adverse events.

Carpal tunnel release under intravenous regional anaesthesia with ropivacaine or lidocaine

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) surgery is usually performed utilizing regional anaesthesia techniques such as local infiltration, brachial plexus block and intravenous regional anaesthesia (IVRA). The present investigation aimed to compare the clinical effects of IVRA with lidocaine or ropivacaine. Forty patients undergoing carpal tunnel release were divided into two groups (20 each) and 0.1% ropivacaine or 0.25% lidocaine were administred for IVRA. All patients underwent a standard surgical procedure. The patients were asked about their satisfaction regarding analgesia. After tourniquet deflation, patients were evaluated for any signs of side effects. Verbal numerical pain scores of patients were recorded periodically in the postoperative period. Onset of and recovery from sensory anaesthesia and quantification of analgesic consumption were assessed. According to our results, 0.25% lidocaine and 0.1% ropivacaine provided satisfactory anaesthetic quality with a low toxicity profile. The recovery time from sensory block was longer and analgesic consumption was less with ropivacaine than with lidocaine.

A clinical comparison of equal concentration and volume of ropivacaine and bupivacaine for interscalene brachial plexus anesthesia and analgesia in shoulder surgery

The aim of this study was to compare the same volume and concentration of bupivacaine and ropivacaine for interscalene brachial plexus block anesthesia and postoperative analgesia in shoulder surgery. Forty-four patients scheduled for elective shoulder surgery were prospectively randomized to receive in a double-blind fashion 30 mL of either 0.5% bupivacaine or ropivacaine for interscalene block. The block was prolonged after surgery by using a patient-controlled interscalene analgesia with 0.15% of either bupivacaine or ropivacaine. The mean onset times of surgical blocks were determined after interscalene block. Pain relief was regularly assessed by using a visual analog scale, side effects were noted, and the patients were asked to rate their satisfaction at the end of the study. Two patients with bupivacaine and 1 with ropivacaine failed to achieve surgical block and were excluded. The mean onset times of surgical blocks were 18 +/- 12 minutes with ropivacaine and 21 +/- 13 minutes with bupivacaine. The pain scores, total volume infused of local anesthetics, incremental dose requested and received, total rescue analgesic, and side effects were similar between the groups. Postoperative pain control was similarly effective and patient satisfaction was high in both groups. This study shows that the same volume and concentration of bupivacaine and ropivacaine (30 mL of 0.5%) for interscalene brachial plexus block anesthesia produce similar surgical block. When prolonging the block with a patient-controlled interscalene analgesia infusion, 0.15% bupivacaine or ropivacaine provide adequate pain relief, similar side effects, and high patient satisfaction after shoulder surgery.

Sequential supraclavicular brachial plexus block and intravenous regional anaesthesia for upper limb surgery

Sequential supraclavicular brachial plexus block and intravenous regional anaesthesia for upper limb surgery

Sequential supraclavicular brachial plexus block and intravenous regional anaesthesia for upper limb surgery

Sequential supraclavicular brachial plexus block and intravenous regional anaesthesia for upper limb surgery

Increased success rate with infraclavicular brachial plexus block using a dual-injection technique

Study objective To test the hypothesis that dual injection of the local anesthetic in coracoid infraclavicular brachial plexus block might enhance both sensory and motor block for anesthesia of the upper limb when compared with a single-injection technique. Design Comparative, prospective, randomized, investigator-blinded study. Setting University-affiliated hospital. Patients 60 patients scheduled for surgery of the hand, forearm, or elbow. Interventions Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a coracoid infraclavicular block guided by nerve stimulator with a single injection technique (Group 1) or a dual-injection technique (Group 2). Injection of 40 mL 1.5% mepivacaine was made after eliciting one evoked motor response in the upper limb with a nerve stimulator for coracoid infraclavicular block in Group 1 and injection of two separate doses of 20 mL 1.5% mepivacaine after elicitation of two motor responses in Group 2. Measurements Assessment of sensory and motor block in the upper limb 5 and 20 minutes after the end of the injection of the local anesthetic. The time needed to elicit the second response and to inject the second dose of local anesthetic was also recorded. Main results Significantly higher rates of sensory block to pinprick on the distributions of axillary, musculocutaneous, radial, ulnar, and medial cutaneous of the forearm nerves were found in Group 2 at 20 minutes. Significantly higher rates of motor block for arm, wrist, and hand movements were found in Group 2 at 20 minutes. Conclusions Dual injection of local anesthetic guided by nerve stimulator increases the efficacy of coracoid block when compared with a single injection of the same dose of local anesthetic.

The Effect of Fentanyl or Epinephrine Addition to Ropivacaine in Brachial Plexus Block

Background: The administration of adjuncts to local anesthetics in brachial plexus block affects the onset of sensory or motor block and the duration of analgesia. But, the effect of opioid with ropivacaine is controversial, and epinephrine addition does not significantly affect the duration of analgesia. So, we evaluated the effects of fentanyl or epinephrine added to ropivacaine for brachial plexus block. Methods: Forty-five patients scheduled for upper extremity surgery (ASA 1, 2) were randomly divided into 3 groups: Group 1 received 0.5% ropivacaine 52 ml, Group 2 received 0.5% ropivacaine 52 ml with 1：200,000 epinephrine, and Group 3 received 0.5% ropivacaine 50 ml with fentanyl 100g. At 1-min intervals after injecting local anesthetic, sensory block was assessed in the C5-6 dermatome by pinprick testing and motor block was assessed at the shoulder by asking the patient to elevate the affected arm while keeping the elbow straight. Duration of analgesia (the time between injection and the onset of pain) and the duration of motor block (the time between injection and the restoration of shoulder mobility) were recorded. Results: No significant difference was observed in the onset of sensory or motor block, or in the duration of analgesia or motor block between the three groups. Conclusions: The addition of fentanyl or epinephrine to ropivacaine in brachial plexus block does not affect the onset of sensory or motor block, or the duration of analgesia or motor block.

Comparison of the haemodynamic effects of interscalene block combined with general anaesthesia and interscalene block alone for shoulder surgery.

Interscalene brachial plexus block (ISB) anaesthesia is widely used with or without general anaesthesia in patients undergoing shoulder surgery, which is generally done with the patient in a sitting position. This position affects haemodynamics, and supplementing ISB with general anaesthesia can exaggerate these haemodynamic changes. This study compared ISB combined with general anaesthesia, with ISB alone, in 29 patients undergoing elective shoulder surgery. Heart rate and oxygen saturation remained stable throughout the study in both groups. Mean arterial pressure was significantly decreased when the patient moved into the sitting position in those given combined anaesthesia, whereas in those given ISB alone mean arterial pressure did not change significantly. Neither pain scores nor patient satisfaction scores differed significantly between the two groups. All of the patients were either satisfied or entirely satisfied with their anaesthesia/analgesia. There were no significant differences in side-effects and no severe complications in either group. We advocate using ISB alone for patients undergoing shoulder surgery, but further larger studies are needed to confirm the present results.

Perioperative Hearing Impairment

Perioperative Hearing Impairment