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Background Orthopedic procedures concerning the upper extremity commonly use a brachial plexus nerve block to achieve postoperative analgesia. The addition of dexamethasone to peripheral nerve blocks has been shown to significantly prolong its effect. We hypothesize that 1 mg doses of dexamethasone will prolong brachial plexus nerve block with similar efficacy to 4 mg and better than ropivacaine alone. Methods Seventy-nine patients who received a brachial plexus nerve block prior to undergoing upper extremity surgery were randomized to 1 of 4 treatment groups: group 1 received only 30 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine without dexamethasone (control); groups 2, 3, and 4 received 4, 2, and 1 mg of dexamethasone, respectively, added to 30 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine. Results Comparison of block duration, specifically “first signs of the block wearing off” to the 0-mg group, referencing the 1-, 2-, and 4-mg groups ( P = .02, .04, and .01, respectively) that received steroid adjuvant therapy demonstrated a significant increase in time until the block began to wear off. All study groups receiving steroids also demonstrated a significant increase in duration of the block prior to its effects being completely gone when compared with the control group ( P < .01 for all groups). Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that adjuvant dexamethasone can prolong brachial plexus nerve blocks effectively at low doses compared with high doses, in addition to prolonging analgesia compared with local anesthetic alone.

Background Interscalene brachial plexus block is associated with phrenic nerve paralysis. The objective of this study was to evaluate an alternative approach to interscalene brachial plexus blocks in terms of efficacy, grade of motor and sensory blockade, and phrenic nerve blockade. Methods The study was prospective and interventional. The ten living patients studied were 18 to 65 years old, ASA physical status I or II, and submitted to correction of rotator cuff injury. A superior trunk blockade was performed at the superior trunk below the omohyoid muscle, without blocking the phrenic nerve. The needle was advanced below the prevertebral layer until contacting the superior trunk. In order to guarantee the correct positioning of the needle tip, an intracluster pattern of the spread was visualized. The block was performed with 5 mL of 0.5% bupivacaine in ten patients. In the six cadavers, 5 mL of methylene blue was injected. Diaphragmatic excursion was assessed by ultrasonography of the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm. In three patients, pulmonary ventilation was evaluated with impedance tomography. Pain scores and analgesic consumption were assessed in the recovery room for 6 hours after the blockade. Results In the six cadavers, methylene blue didn’t reach the phrenic nerve. Ten patients underwent arthroscopic surgery, and no clinically phrenic nerve paralysis was observed. No patient reported pain during the first 6 hours. Conclusions This study suggests that this new superior trunk approach to block the superior trunk may be an alternative technique to promote analgesia for shoulder surgery in patients with impaired respiratory function.

Anesthetic management using costoclavicular brachial plexus block with patient-controlled analgesia in pediatrics: a case report Abstract The costoclavicular brachial plexus block (CBPB) has been receiving increasing attention as an effective technique for upper arm surgery conducted without phrenic paralysis. However, studies in children are lacking. CBPB was applied to a 10 year-old girl undergoing scheduled radial and ulnar osteotomy due to multiple cartilaginous exostoses and ulnar lengthening. CBPB was performed with a bolo administration of 10 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine, and the catheter was sequentially replaced in the right costoclavicular space. After surgery, a continuous infusion of 0.17% levobupivacaine through a catheter was initiated at 2 mL/h, along with patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) of 3 mL 0.17% levobupivacaine with a 60-minute lock out. The patient complained of 5/10 pain on the numerical rating scale (NRS) 2 hours after surgery, which improved immediately after bolus administration. The analgesia induced by CBPB was otherwise effective (NRS ≤ 2). CBPB with PCA may provide adequate analgesia in pediatric cases.

Background. The general toxic effects of local anesthe­tics on vital organs are the most severe side effects of regional blockades. The purpose was to study the effectiveness and safety of combined solutions of local anesthetics in the brachial plexus block. Materials and methods. Forty-nine patients were divided into 2 study groups. The first group (controls) consisted of 24 individuals who received a solution of 0.5% bupivacaine 36 ml (180 mg) with adrenaline 1 : 200,000 as an adjuvant to block the brachial plexus. The second group (main) consisted of 25 patients, who were treated with a mixture of 2% lidocaine 12 ml (240 mg) and 0.5% bupivacaine 12 ml (60 mg) diluted with a solution of 0.9% NaCl 12 ml and adrenaline 1 : 200,000 as an adjuvant. Results. In the first group (bupivacaine), the onset time of sensory block averaged 11.3 ± 4.3 minutes, motor block — 21.0 ± 7.8 minutes. The motor block duration was 894 ± 237 minutes. In the second group (mixture), the onset time of sensory block averaged 8.0 ± 3.6 minutes, motor block — 14.0 ± 6.2 minutes, which was significantly less than in the first group. The duration of the motor block was 539 ± 186 minutes. The longest postoperative analgesia was registered in the bupivacaine group — 984 ± 263 minutes. The duration of postoperative analgesia in the main group was slightly shorter — 612 ± 210 minu­tes. Conclusions. The proposed combination of local anesthe­tics bupivacaine and lidocaine allows reducing the bupivacaine dose by three times, which decreases the toxic complications of conduction anesthesia. The clinical use of the proposed drug combination reduces the duration of the latent period and provides long-term postoperative analgesia., Актуальність. Найважчим проявом побічних ефектів при регіонарних блокадах є загальний токсичний вплив місцевих анестетиків на життєво важливі органи. Метою дослідження є вивчення ефективності й безпечності застосування комбінованих розчинів місцевих анестетиків при блокадах плечового сплетення. Матеріали та методи. 49 хворих було розподілено у 2 групи дослідження. Першу групу (контрольну) становили 24 хворі, яким для блокування плечового сплетення застосовувався розчин бупівакаїну 0,5% 36 мл (180 мг) з додаванням як ад’юванту адреналіну 1 : 200 000. Другу групу (основну) становили 25 хворих, яким для блокування плечового сплетення застосовувалась суміш розчинів лідокаїну 2% 12 мл (240 мг) і бупівакаїну 0,5% 12 мл (60 мг) з розведенням розчином NaCl 0,9% 12 мл і додаванням як ад’юванту адреналіну 1 : 200 000. Результати. У першій групі (бупівакаїн) час до початку сенсорної блокади в середньому становив 11,3 ± 4,3 хв, моторної блокади — 21,0 ± 7,8 хв. Тривалість моторного блоку — 894 ± 237 хв. У другій групі (суміш) час до початку сенсорної блокади в середньому становив 8,0 ± 3,6 хв, моторної блокади — 14,0 ± 6,2 хв, що було вірогідно меншим, ніж у першій групі. Тривалість моторного блоку — 539 ± 186 хв. Найбільшу тривалість післяопераційної аналгезії було зареєстровано в групі бупівакаїну — 984 ± 263 хв. В основній групі тривалість післяопераційного знеболювання була дещо меншою і становила 612 ± 210 хв. Висновки. Запропонована комбінація місцевих анестетиків бупівакаїну і лідокаїну дозволяє в три рази зменшити дозу бупівакаїну, що знижує імовірність токсичних ускладнень провідникової анестезії. Клінічне застосування запропонованої комбінації препаратів скорочує тривалість латентного періоду, забезпечує тривалу післяопераційну аналгезію.

Purpose To compare the analgesic effects of pregabalin to those of single-shot interscalene brachial plexus block (ISBPB) in adults having arthroscopic rotator cuff (RC) repair, as well as ISBPB’s effect on postoperative opioid consumption, patient satisfaction, and opioid-related adverse effects. Methods In this randomized trial, 79 adults having arthroscopic RC repair were randomized to receive perioperative oral pregabalin (Lyrica, twice daily starting the evening before surgery, for a total of 4 doses) or single-shot ISBPB (20 ml of bupivacaine 0.25%). Intra- and postoperative management was standardized. The primary outcome was median self-reported pain score (on a visual analog scale of 0 to 100) at rest during the initial 10 postoperative days. Other outcomes included pain during activity, postoperative opioid consumption, opioid-related adverse effects, quality of recovery, and pain satisfaction score. Results Of 71 eligible patients, 59 were analyzed, of whom 29 received pregabalin and 30 received ISBPB. Groups were similar regarding demographic, baseline, and intraoperative variables. Median pain score at rest over the 10 postoperative days was 51 (interquartile range 26, 76) in the pregabalin group and 52 (22, 74) in the ISBPB group (difference 0.5 points; 95% confidence interval [CI] –3.2 to 6.3; P = .53). Opioid consumption during the initial 10 postoperative days was also similar (difference in median 90 mg of morphine equivalents; 95% CI –32 to 177.5; P = .12). No differences were found in any other outcome. Conclusions Perioperative use of pregabalin in adults undergoing arthroscopic RC repair provided analgesia comparable to that of ISBPB for 10 days after surgery. Level of Evidence II, randomized controlled trial (high dropout rate)

BACKGROUND The pain control efficacy, postoperative opioid requirements, and costs among patients undergoing major shoulder surgery using different perioperative analgesia modalities have been topics of active debate. Several studies have compared periarticular injection (PAI) to interscalene block (ISB) in shoulder arthroplasty, but there is a paucity of data comparing them in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS Patients aged 18-80 years with full-thickness rotator cuff tears and undergoing primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at 2 different shoulder centers were screened and subsequently randomized to receive either periarticular injection (PAI) of liposomal bupivacaine mixed with 0.25% bupivacaine (n = 41) or single-shot interscalene nerve block (ISB) (n = 36). Visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, oral morphine equivalent (OME) use, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE) scores, and costs were collected. Differences with P

The article reports an example of the simultaneous use of brachial plexus block and combined two-segment spinal-epidural anesthesia with fixation of an epidural catheter in the subcutaneous canal in an 81-year-old patient after receiving a household injury - closed fracture of the olecranon of the right ulna with displacement of fragments and closed transtrochanteric fracture with a fracture of the right femur fragments. After preoperative preparation and examination, the patient underwent two consecutive surgical interventions within a day: open reduction of comminuted transtrochanteric fracture of the right hip, dynamic femoral screw osteosynthesis and open reduction of fracture of the right olecranon, Weber’s osteosynthesis. Surgical interventions were carried out under regional anesthesia: block of the brachial plexus via supraclavicular access and combined two-segment spinal-epidural anesthesia with a method developed in our clinic for fixing an epidural catheter in the subcutaneous canal using a modified spinal needle. After the operation, the patient underwent postoperative pain relief in the form of epidural analgesia for 72 hours. The postoperative period passed without complications. On the 13th day, the patient was discharged for outpatient treatment by a traumatologist. The use of local anesthesia in the form of two methods of regional anesthesia during two consecutive surgical interventions, in an elderly patient with a high anesthetic risk, followed by long-term postoperative anesthesia in the form of epidural analgesia with a reliable method of epidural catheter fixation in the subcutaneous canal without the use of narcotic analgesics, contributed to the successful carrying out two surgical interventions at once, early activation of the patient, absence of complications in the postoperative period. Reliable catheter fixation is very important for the quality of epidural analgesia. Dislocation of catheters by more than 2 cm can lead to migration of catheters from the epidural space, changing the course of anesthesia, deteriorating its quality, or even interrupting it altogether. The new method of catheter fixation in the subcutaneous canal developed by us made it possible to prevent catheter dislocation.

Postoperative pain management after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) can be challenging. Given the variety of pain management options available, the purpose of this investigation was to systematically review the literature for randomized controlled trials reporting on pain control after shoulder arthroplasty. We sought to determine which modalities are most effective in managing postoperative pain and reducing postoperative opioid use.A systematic review was performed using PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for Level I-II randomized controlled trials that compared interventions for postoperative pain control after TSA. Pain control measures included nerve blocks and nerve block adjuncts, local injections, patient-controlled analgesia, oral medications, and other modalities. The 2 primary outcome measures were pain level measured on a 0-10 visual analog scale and opioid use. The risk of study bias and methodologic quality were analyzed using The Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool. Network meta-analyses were performed for visual analog scale pain scores at postsurgical time points and opioid use using a frequentist approach and random-effects model, with heterogeneity quantified using the IThe initial search yielded 2391 articles (695 duplicates, 1696 screened, 53 undergoing full-text review). Eighteen articles (1358 shoulders; 51% female patients; mean age range, 65-73.7 years; 4 studies with low risk of bias, 12 with some risk, and 2 with high risk) were included and analyzed. At 4 and 8 hours postoperatively, patients receiving local liposomal bupivacaine (LB) injection (P.001 for 4 and 8 hours) or local ropivacaine injection (P.001 for 4 hours and P = .019 for 8 hours) had significantly more pain compared with patients who received either a continuous interscalene block (cISB) or single-shot interscalene block (ssISB). No differences in opioid use (at P.05) were detected between modalities. The P scores of treatments demonstrated that ssISBs were most favorable at time points24 hours, whereas pain at 24 and 48 hours after surgery was best managed with cISBs or a combination of an ssISB with a local LB injection.Interscalene blocks are superior to local injections alone at managing pain after TSA. Single-shot interscalene blocks are optimal for reducing early postoperative pain (24 hours), whereas pain at 24-48 hours after surgery may be best managed with cISBs or a combination of an ssISB with a local LB injection.

Various additives have been employed to extend the brachial plexus block. Dexamethasone, when added to local anesthetic block prolongation with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects has been seen. Group I (Control group) received Inj. Lignocaine 1.5% plus adrenaline (1:200000) max safe dose of 7mg/kg+ NS- 2ml while group II (Dexa group) received Inj. Lignocaine 1.5% plus adrenaline (1:200000) max safe dose of 7mg/kg + Inj. Dexamethasone - 2ml (8mg). Total volume in each group ranged between 25-32ml considering the patients individual body weight. Block characteristics, duration and quality of analgesia in the post-operative period were noted. Dexamethasone hastens the onset and prolonged the duration of motor and sensory blockade. The mean duration of postoperative analgesia was prolonged till 8th hour in the dexamethasone group while in the control group it was continued till 3hrs, the role of rescue analgesia commenced after 3rd hour. Dexamethasone provides better hemodynamic stability and profound analgesia without any untoward side effects in the perioperative period. In the supraclavicular method of brachial plexus block, the addition of dexamethasone to lignocaine adrenaline offers excellent anesthetic and analgesia.

Introduction: Supraclavicular brachial plexus block is among foremost technique of regional anaesthesia administered during upper-limb surgery. Different adjuvants have been used with varied results for prolonging the sensory and motor blockade. Dexamethasone and Clonidine have been established as suitable adjuvants for blocks. Adding adjuvants to local anaesthetic drugs in nerve blocks has many benefits. We studied performance of dexamethasone or clonidine as additives to local anaesthetic in subclavian perivascular block as a part of upper limb surgery. Aim was to ascertain which of them is a better adjuvant. Materials and Methods: Study population was randomized to 2 groups of 50 patients each. Group 1 was given 5 ml of 2% lignocaine and 15 ml 0.5% bupivacaine with 8mg dexamethasone. Group 2 received 5ml 2% lignocaine and 15 ml 0.5% bupivacaine with 0.150 mg clonidine. Time to establishment of sensory & motor block, duration of analgesia and any adverse effects were observed. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS 13.0. Quantitative variables were assessed using student t test. Qualitative variables were analysed using Chi square test. P value Results: Onset of sensory blockade was at 7.23+4.24 in group 1 and 8.36+2.68 minutes in Group 2. Average time to motor block was at 8.48+3.22 minutes in Group 1 and 9.58+3.71 minutes in Group 2. Analgesia’s duration in Group 1 and Group 2 was 998.2+338.5 and 879.3+284.5 minutes respectively. No major adverse events were seen in either group. Conclusion: Performance of dexamethasone was similar to clonidine as adjunct to local anaesthetic in subclavian perivascular approach of brachial plexus block. However, it has faster sensory and motor blockade’s onset. Analgesia’s duration observed was found to be longer, though the difference was statistically insignificant. Keywords: Upper limb surgery, Supraclavicular brachial plexus block, Clonidine, Dexamethasone.

Summary A lack of reliable, long-term patient follow-up data after discharge from short-term surgical missions to low-income and middle-income countries remains a key issue in global humanitarian work. Project Harar is a non-governmental organisation that works in close association with surgeons from the Yekatit 12 Medical College, Addis Ababa, to treat children and adults with complex facial disfigurement in Ethiopia on an annual head and neck and facial reconstructive mission. Following a successful pilot study employing charity field workers and smart phones to follow-up patients in 2018 and 2019, Project Harar now uses patients’ own smartphones to achieve follow-up remotely, without the need for field workers in the majority of cases. Using patient smartphones, triage safety questions and post-operative photographs can be relayed directly to the charity post-operatively. Using this follow-up model, the majority of patients from the 2020 complex reconstructive mission were successfully followed-up. We present data in support of our new method of remote triage and follow-up, and detail a comprehensive algorithm for remote follow-up using patients’ own smartphones after discharge from a short-term reconstructive missions in Ethiopia. We hope this work will be beneficial for similar organisations operating in resource-limited settings around the world facing challenges in reliable patient follow-up.

Background and Aims: Perfusion index (PI) is a new simple, objective and non-invasive method for evaluation of the success of central neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks. So, we conducted a study with an aim to evaluate PI as an indicator for success of ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block (SCB). Methods: 65 patients of either sex, age 18–60 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II posted for upper limb surgery under ultrasound (US)-guided SCB were included. PI was recorded at baseline every 2 minutes till 10 minutes and then every 5 minutes till 30 minutes after block. PI ratio was calculated as the ratio between PI at 10 minutes and baseline PI. Sensory and motor blocks were assessed at 5-minutes intervals up to 30 minutes. Descriptive analysis was applied by mean and standard deviation for quantitative, frequency and proportion for categorical variables. Results: Mean PI increased continuously from baseline and reached the maximum at 10 minutes and then slightly decreased up to 30 minutes, but values at subsequent time intervals were quite high as compared to baseline. In case of successful blocks, median PI started increasing 2 minutes after the block and then increased in a linear fashion till 10 minutes, whereas in case of failed blocks, it only increased minimally. Conclusion: PI is an objective and faster indicator for evaluating success of US-guided SCB. A cut-off value of 3.25 for PI and 3.03 for PI ratio showed a fairly good ability with high sensitivity and specificity for predicting the success of SCB.

Effective multimodal analgesia techniques are required when pigs are used as models in orthopedic human research. Regional anesthesia is a widely used technique to provide perioperative analgesia in animals undergoing orthopedic surgery. The brachial plexus (BP) block is indicated to desensitize the forelimb in many species but has not been yet described in pigs. The main aims of this study were to develop an ultrasound-guided axillary approach for the BP and to evaluate injectate spread and nerve staining in pig cadavers. Eight fresh F1 cross breed German Large White and German Landrace male pig cadavers were enrolled. Two cadavers were used for anatomical dissection of the axillary space and to determine the disposition of the BP. Six cadavers were used to perform a bilateral axillary ultrasound-guided approach for the BP, and after injecting 0.3 ml/kg of a solution of 2% lidocaine and new methylene blue (L-NMB), these were dissected to determine injectate spread and nerve staining. Upon dissection, the BP was observed in all the cases surrounded by the axillary sheath and in close proximity to the axillary artery. Ultrasonographic scanning and guidance for the approach to the BP was feasible in all cadavers and upon dissection, all the nerves forming the BP were stained in all their quadrants and in all the cases. In conclusion, the injection of 0.3 ml/kg of L-NMB through an ultrasound-guided axillary approach to the BP was feasible and adequate to entirely stain the BP in all pig cadavers. Further clinical studies are required to evaluate the effectiveness of this technique in live animals.

The aim of our study was to compare the clinical results and costs of wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT), intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA), and infraclavicular brachial plexus block (IC-BPB). The patients were divided into WALANT, IVRA, IC-BPB groups, each with 50 patients. Demographic information, induction time, use of sedation, number of patients who were converted to general anesthesia, time in postanesthesia care unit (PACU), amount of bleeding during surgery, presence of tourniquet pain, hand motor function during surgery, time to onset of postanesthesia pain, discharge time, complications, and anesthesia costs were compared. Sedation was given to 12 IC-BPB patients, 9 IVRA patients and 5 WALANT patients. Of these patients, 6 undergoing IC-BPB, 5 undergoing IVRA and 4 undergoing WALANT were converted to general anesthesia (p = 0.80). PACU time and anesthesia costs were the least in the WALANT group, followed by the IVRA group (p 0.001, p 0.001). Intraoperative active voluntary movements were best preserved in the WALANT group; however, bleeding was highest in the WALANT group (p 0.001, p 0.001). Tourniquet pain was the higher in the IVRA groups, while postoperative pain in the surgical area developed the fastest in this same group (p = 0.029, p 0.001). Time to discharge was similar in WALANT and IVRA groups, and the longest in the IC-BPB (p 0.001) group. There was no difference among the groups in terms of patient satisfaction (p = 0.085, p = 0.242 for the first and second survey question). In the current study, WALANT appears to be a suitable alternative to IVRA and IC-BPB methods, with better preservation of active intraoperative movement, lower cost, and shorter time spent in PACU at the expense of higher bleeding.

Objective To describe the anatomy of the brachial plexus in eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina), develop a blind perineural injection technique for brachial plexus blockade and evaluate the distribution of three volumes of new methylene blue dye for injection in cadavers. Study design Prospective, randomized, blinded cadaveric study. Animals A total of 24 frozen-thawed box turtle cadavers; two turtles identified with shoulder injuries were subsequently excluded from the study. The remaining 22 turtles weighed 397 (190–581) g, median (range). Methods The brachial plexus and regional anatomy were identified by dissection of seven cadavers to determine anatomic landmarks for a perineural injection technique. This technique was tested by randomizing 15 cadavers into one of three groups to be injected bilaterally with one of three volumes (0.1, 0.2 or 0.3 mL) of methylene blue dye 1% aqueous solution. Investigators blinded to the assigned group dissected cadavers 15 minutes after injection and used staining of the four cervical spinal nerves (C5–C8; 25% for each nerve) to record a staining score of the brachial plexus (0–100%). Results Based on descriptions of the anatomy of the brachial plexus, an injection technique was designed. Injections of 0.1 mL methylene blue dye resulted in nine/10 injections with 100% nerve stained, and one/10 injection with 50% (two) nerves stained. All injections of 0.2 or 0.3 mL of methylene blue dye resulted in 100% nerves stained. Conclusions and clinical relevance Perineural injection of the brachial plexus with 0.1, 0.2 or 0.3 mL methylene blue dye was successful in 29/30 injections in box turtle cadavers weighing 190–581 g. Further studies are needed to determine the minimum volume of injectate that can be successfully used for this technique, and to evaluate its application and efficacy in live turtles.

Anaesthetic modalities for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation include general (GA), local (LA) and regional anaesthesia (RA). Ultrasound guided regional anaesthesia (USRA) proved to have more benefits in AVF creation than the other two. This study conducted at the Douala General Hospital aimed to assess these benefits over GA and RA. A retrospective review was performed on 217 records of patients who underwent an AVF creation between January 2015 and December 2018. The socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of patients were recorded. Analysis of variance, Pearson’s chi-square test and binomial logistic regression were performed and a p value of

Serious complications after ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia can be devastating for the patient. The pathogenesis of postoperative neurological complications (PONC) is multifactorial and includes mechanical, vascular and chemical factors besides the nerve puncture itself. The primary aim of this study was to assess the incidence of PONC after brachial plexus block (BPB). This is an observational retrospective single-centre study conducted at the regional anaesthesia unit of a teaching hospital. All BPBs performed from January 2011 to November 2019 were included. The outcomes analysed were the incidence, aetiology and diagnosis of PONCs and the incidence of other postoperative complications such as local anaesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST), pneumothorax, wrong-side block, etc. The performance of trainees and experienced anaesthesiologists was compared across all the outcomes. From a total of 5340 BPBs included, 15 cases developed PONC, yielding a rate of 2.81:1000 (95% CI 1.70–4.63). Thirteen patients underwent neurophysiological exams which confirmed nine neuropathies. The rate of PONCs for supervised trainees was 1.80:1000 (95% CI 0.701–4.62), not statistically different from that of experienced anaesthesiologists (p = 0.241). Three cases were considered to present with a PONC probably related to BPB [0.562:1,00 (95% CI 0.191–1.65)]. The incidence of long-term PONCs was 1.12:1000 (95% CI 0.515–2.45). Such complications proved irreversible in 2 cases. The incidences of LAST, pneumothorax and other complications observed were 0.749:1000 (95% CI 0.291–1.92), 0.187:1000 (95% CI 0.0331–1.06) and 4.31:1000 (95% CI 2.87–6.46), respectively. This survey suggests that complications after ultrasound-guided BPB, including blocks performed by trainees, are uncommon. Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT04451642.

Ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block is increasingly used in preschool-age patients. However, the minimum effective volume of local anaesthetics has not been determined. With ethical committee approval and written informed consent from the guardians of all paediatric patients, we studied 27 consecutive patients aged 3 to 6 years who were scheduled for hand surgery. After general anaesthesia, eligible patients received a set volume of ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block. We determined the volume of 0.2% ropivacaine for consecutive patients from the preceding patient’s outcome. The initial volume was 0.4 ml/kg. The testing interval was set at 0.05 ml/kg, and the lowest volume was 0.1 ml/kg. The following conditions were defined as a successful block: no heart rate changes, body movement, or ventilatory disorders during the operation; no use of fentanyl in the PACU; and a postoperative sensory block score

Objective To develop an ultrasound-guided dorsal approach to the brachial plexus and to investigate the nerve distribution and staining of a dyed injectate in common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) cadavers. Study design Prospective, cadaver study. Animals A group of three common kestrel cadavers (six wings). Methods All cadavers were fresh-frozen at –20 °C and thawed for 10 hours at room temperature before the study. The cadavers were placed in sternal recumbency and their wings were abducted. A 8–13 MHz linear-array transducer was placed over the scapulohumeral joint, at the centre of a triangle formed by the scapula and the humerus. The brachial plexus was identified between the scapulohumeralis muscle and the pectoralis major muscle, as hypoechoic structures lying just cranially to the axillary vessels. After ultrasound-guided brachial plexus identification, a 22 gauge, 50 mm insulated needle was advanced in-plane using ultrasound visualization. A volume of 0.5 mL kg–1 of a 3:1 (2% lidocaine:methylene blue) solution was injected. Following cadaver dissection, the pattern of the spread was assessed, and the extent of nerve staining was measured with a calliper and deemed adequate if more than 0.6 cm of the nerve staining was achieved. Results The brachial plexus was clearly identified in all wings with the dorsal approach. After dye injection, all the branches of the brachial plexus defined as nerves 1–5 (N1, N2, N3, N4 and N5) were completely stained in five (83%) and partially stained in one (17%) of the six wings. Conclusions and clinical relevance The ultrasound-guided dorsal approach allows a clear visualization of the brachial plexus structure. The injection of 0.5 mL kg–1of a lidocaine/dye solution produced complete nerve staining in most cases. Further in vivo studies are mandatory to confirm the clinical efficacy of this locoregional anaesthesia technique in common kestrels (Falco tinnunculus).

The α2 agonists act through the endogenous sleep-promoting pathways to exert their sedative effect. Dexmedetomidine produces a decrease in activity of the projections of the locus ceruleus to the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus. This increases GABAergic release in the tuberomammillary nucleus, producing a decrease in histamine release in cortical and sub cortical projections. All patients underwent a thorough pre-anaesthetic checkup which included history taking, general examination, systemic examination and local neurological examination. Routine investigations like Haemogram, blood sugar, blood urea, serum creatinine, Chest X-Ray, ECG were carried out for all patients. All patients were taught about pain scale regarding VAS scale during pre-operative visit. Mean blood pressure in group D was lower compared to group P since immediately after induction upto 20 minutes after induction, which were statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference in mean blood pressure of the patients between the two groups after 20 minutes.

Background Fluid extravasation from the shoulder compartment and subsequent absorption into adjacent soft tissue is a well-documented phenomenon in arthroscopic shoulder surgery. We aimed to determine if a qualitative difference in ultrasound imaging of the interscalene brachial plexus exists in relation to the timing of performing an interscalene nerve block (preoperative or postoperative). Methods This single-center, prospective observational study compared pre- and postoperative interscalene brachial plexus ultrasound images of 29 patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy using a pretest-posttest methodology where individual patients served as their own controls. Three fellowship-trained regional anesthesiologists evaluated image quality and confidence in performing a block for each ultrasound scan using a five-point Likert scale. The association of image quality with age, gender, BMI, duration of surgery, obstructive sleep apnea, and volume of arthroscopic irrigation fluid were analyzed as secondary outcomes. Results Aggregate preoperative mean scores in quality of ultrasound visualization were higher than postoperative scores (preoperative 4.5 vs postoperative 3.8; p p p p p Conclusion Due to the potential reduction of ultrasound visualization of the interscalene brachial plexus after shoulder arthroscopy, we advocate for a preoperative interscalene nerve block when feasible. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03657173; September 4, 2018).

Historically, clavicle fracture repairs have been performed with patients under general anesthesia. However, in the past few years, the combination of an interscalene brachial plexus block and a modified superficial cervical plexus block has been described to provide adequate anesthesia for clavicle fracture surgery, with the added benefit of postoperative analgesia. In March 2013, members of our anesthesiology department began using this block with sedation for a subset of patients undergoing clavicle fracture fixation.This study was a retrospective review of patients who underwent clavicle fracture repair at a single institution between June 2014 and November 2017. The decision on the type of anesthesia (regional vs. general) was made jointly by the patient, anesthesiologist, and surgeon. Demographic data, relevant perioperative times, and intraoperative pain medication consumption were recorded, and comparisons of these variables were made between the regional and general anesthesia groups.A total of 110 patients with 110 fractures were included. Of these patients, 52 received only regional anesthesia with the combined block whereas 58 received general anesthesia with an interscalene brachial plexus block. No major anesthetic-related complications were noted in any patients, and there were no cases in which regional anesthesia had to be converted to general anesthesia because of block failure. The anesthesia start time was significantly longer in the general anesthesia group (29 minutes vs. 20 minutes, P = .022), as was the total case time (164 minutes vs. 131 minutes, P.001). Patients in the general anesthesia group required significantly more intraoperative fentanyl to be administered (207 μg vs. 141 μg, P = .002).Regional anesthesia using a combined brachial plexus and modified superficial cervical plexus block is a reliable, efficacious technique. The combined block appears to be a reasonable alternative to general anesthesia with an interscalene brachial plexus block, and it may have benefits regarding the anesthesia start time and total case time.

Background/aim The aim of this study was to compare the effects of local infiltration analgesia and interscalene brachial plexus block techniques on postoperative pain control and shoulder functional scores in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Materials and methods Sixty patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair were prospectively included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 was comprised of patients who had interscalene brachial plexus block, while group 2 was comprised of patients who had local infiltration analgesia. In group 1, interscalene block was applied with 20 mL 0.5% bupivacaine. In group 2, the Ranawat cocktail was used for local infiltration analgesia. Sixty milliliters of Ranawat cocktail was applied to the subacromial space and glenohumeral joint in equal amounts. Postoperative pain was assessed by the VAS score. Functional scores of the shoulder were also evaluated by Constant–Murley and UCLA scores. The time of first analgesic requirement and total analgesic consumption in the postoperative period were assessed. Results The first analgesic requirement was significantly late in the interscalene brachial plexus block group (p = 0.000). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of total analgesic consumption (p = 0.204). In the postoperative 6th h, the VAS score was 2.43 in the interscalene brachial plexus block group, whereas 2.86 in the local infiltration analgesia group (p = 0.323). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of Constant–Murley shoulder and UCLA scores in the 3rd postoperative month (respectively, p = 0.929, p = 0.671). Besides, postoperative VAS scores and functional scores were negatively correlated (p < 0.01). Conclusion Local infiltration analgesia is an effective alternative to interscalene brachial plexus block for postoperative pain management and total analgesic consumption in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. However, the interscalene brachial plexus block provides a longer postoperative painless period.

Brachial plexus block is one of the best surgical technique for upper limb surgeries. It is a good anesthetic and analgesic agent. Though levobupivacaine has a duration of action of three to eight hours it has an acceptable analgesic property and few other practical constraints. Addition of vasoconstrictors like α-adrenergic agonists, hyaluronidase, neostigmine, opioids have been found to be effective. Dexmedetomidine, an α2 receptor agonist has found to be a better adjuvant to levobupivacaine by few literatures. To assess the effect of levobupivacaine 0.5% alone and with dexmedetomidine 100 μg as an adjuvant to levobupivacaine 0.5% on the onset and duration of sensory and motor block, the duration of perioperative analgesia, complications and sedation score.This study was conducted after ethical committee clearance in a tertiary care medical college hospital in northern Kerala, India. 60 patients between the age of 18 and 60 years planned for upper limb surgery under brachial plexus block, who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. A pre anesthetic checkup was done to assess the patient before including in the study. The patients who were included in the study were randomly assigned into two groups – one group received 1 ml (100µg) dexmedetomidine with 39 ml of 0.5% Levobupivacaine(LD group) and the second group received 1 ml of 0.9% normal saline and 39 ml of 0.5% Levobupivacaine(LS group) as anesthetic agent through sealed envelope technique. The clinical history, vitals and hemodynamic parameters were monitored and noted prior to and during the surgery. The data collected was analyzed and tabulated. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups with respect to age, Gender and weight signifying proper random allocation of study subjects. None in LD group required post operative analgesia. The mean duration of onset of sensory and motor block was earlier and duration of motor and sensory analgesia was prolonged with the addition of Dexmedetomidine to Levobupivacaine. The hemodynamic stability was better with Dexmedetomidine. Bradycardia was reported in 20% of study participants who were administered dexmedetomidine Dexmedetomidine added to levobupivacaine provides better anesthetic and analgesic care in upper limb surgeries done using brachial plexus block.

Introduction: Adjuvants are used in conjunction with local anaesthetics for brachial plexus block to quicken onset, prolong duration and augment the quality of anaesthesia. Objectives: The study aims to evaluate the effect of adding ultra-low dose naloxone to bupivacaine on the duration of postoperative analgesia. Methodology: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted including forty American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA PS) I and II patients of either sex between 15 and 65 years of age scheduled for upper limb surgery. They were randomized into two groups. Group BN received a mixture of 0.33% plain bupivacaine with ultra-low dose naloxone (100 ng) and group BS received 0.33% plain bupivacaine with saline. The procedure was standardized in both groups. The onset of sensory and motor block were assessed with pinprick sensation and muscle power respectively. Visual Analogue Score (VAS) was used to assess the pain at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 hours postoperatively. Result: The patients were comparable with respect to age, sex, ASA PS, baseline hemodynamic and respiratory parameters and duration of surgery. The mean duration of analgesia in group BN was significantly longer (610.7±125.4 mins) as compared to group BS (354.3±59.6 mins) (p

BACKGROUND Regional anaesthesia has multiple advantages as compared to general anaesthesia for upper limb surgeries. Here in this study, we wanted to compare bupivacaine 0.5 %, commonly used anaesthetic with ropivacaine 0.75 % which has fewer side effects like cardiotoxicity for supraclavicular brachial plexus block. METHODS A study was performed on 60 ASA I & II patients aged between 18 and 75 years, undergoing upper limb elective surgeries under brachial plexus block using nerve locator. Beginning of sensory and motor block, general nature of block, and terms of sensory and motor blocks were assessed in the C5 to T1 dermatomes. RESULTS There was no statistically significant difference in the onset of sensory and motor blockade between ropivacaine 0.75 % and bupivacaine 0.5 %. Ropivacaine 0.75 % produced similar quality of motor and sensory blockade compared to 0.5 % bupivacaine. The time taken for maximum motor blockade with ropivacaine was comparable with that of bupivacaine 0.5 %. There was no statistically significant difference regarding the duration of analgesia with ropivacaine 0.75 % compared to bupivacaine 0.5 %. Duration of motor blockade with 0.75 % ropivacaine was comparable to that of 0.5 % bupivacaine. CONCLUSIONS Ropivacaine 0.75 % 0.4 ml / kg or 0.5 % bupivacaine 0.4 ml / kg for supraclavicular brachial plexus block produces satisfactory and comparable sensory and motor blockade. It is suggested that lower cardiovascular toxicity of ropivacaine with equal efficacy as bupivacaine in such circumstances may help in reducing the risks to the patient. KEY WORDS Bupivacaine 0.5 %, Ropivacaine 0.75 %, Brachial Plexus Block, Upper Limb Orthopaedic Surgeries

Both intravenous dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine prolong the analgesic duration of interscalene blocks (ISB) after arthroscopic shoulder surgery. This study compared their relative effectiveness and the benefit of their use in combination.This single-centre, double-blinded, parallel three-group superiority trial randomized 198 adult patients undergoing ambulatory arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Patients received preoperative ISB with 30 mL 0.5% bupivacaine and 50 µg dexmedetomidine or 4 mg dexamethasone or both of these agents as intravenous adjuncts. The primary outcome was analgesic block duration. Secondary outcomes included the quality of recovery 15 score (range: 0-150) on day 1 and postoperative neurologic symptoms in the surgical arm.Block durations (n = 195) with dexamethasone (median [range], 24.5 [2.0-339.5] hr) and both adjuncts (24.0 [1.5-157.0] hr) were prolonged compared with dexmedetomidine (16.0 [1.5-154.0] hr). When analyzed by linear regression after an unplanned log transformation because of right-skewed data, the corresponding prolongations of block duration were 59% (95% confidence interval [CI], 28 to 97) and 46% (95% CI, 18 to 80), respectively (both P0.001). The combined adjuncts were not superior to dexamethasone alone (-8%; 95% CI, -26 to 14; P = 0.42). Median [IQR] quality of recovery 15 scores (n = 197) were significantly different only between dexamethasone (126 [79-149]) and dexmedetomidine (118.5 [41-150], P = 0.004), but by an amount less than the 8-point minimum clinically important difference.Dexamethasone is superior to dexmedetomidine as an intravenous adjunct for prolongation of bupivacaine-based ISB analgesic duration. There was no additional benefit to using both adjuncts in combination.www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03270033); registered 1 September 2017.RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: La dexaméthasone et la dexmédétomidine intraveineuses prolongent toutes deux la durée analgésique des blocs interscaléniques (BIS) après une chirurgie arthroscopique de l’épaule. Cette étude a comparé leur efficacité relative et les avantages d’une utilisation des deux agents en combinaison. MéTHODE: Cette étude de supériorité monocentrique en trois groupes parallèles à double insu a randomisé 198 patients adultes subissant une chirurgie arthroscopique de l’épaule en ambulatoire. Les patients ont reçu un BIS préopératoire composé de 30 mL de bupivacaïne 0,5 % avec 50 μg de dexmédétomidine, 4 mg de dexaméthasone, ou la combinaison de ces deux agents comme adjuvants intraveineux. Le critère d’évaluation principal était la durée analgésique du bloc. Les critères d’évaluation secondaires comprenaient le score de qualité de récupération (QoR) 15 (plage : 0-150) au jour 1 et les symptômes neurologiques postopératoires dans le bras opéré. RéSULTATS: Les durées des blocs (n = 195) avec la dexaméthasone (médiane [plage], 24,5 [2,0-339,5] heures) et la combinaison des deux adjuvants (24,0 [1,5-157,0] heures) ont été prolongées par rapport à la dexmédétomidine (16,0 [1,5-154,0] heures). Lorsqu’elles ont été analysées par régression linéaire après une transformation logarithmique non planifiée en raison de données biaisées vers la droite, les prolongations correspondantes de la durée du bloc étaient de 59 % (intervalle de confiance [IC] 95 %, 28 à 97) et de 46 % (IC 95 %, 18 à 80), respectivement (les deux P0,001). La combinaison des adjuvants n’était pas supérieure à la dexaméthasone seule (-8 %; IC 95 %, -26 à 14; P = 0,42). Les scores médians [ÉIQ] de qualité de récupération 15 (n = 197) n’étaient significativement différents qu’entre la dexaméthasone (126 [79-149]) et la dexmédétomidine (118,5 [41-150], P = 0,004), mais la différence observée était inférieure à la différence minimale de 8 points nécessaire pour être considérée cliniquement importante. CONCLUSION: La dexaméthasone est supérieure à la dexmédétomidine en tant qu’adjuvant intraveineux pour prolonger la durée analgésique d’un BIS à base de bupivacaïne. Aucun avantage supplémentaire n’a été observé lors de l’utilisation combinée des deux adjuvants. ENREGISTREMENT DE L’éTUDE: www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03270033); enregistrée le 1er septembre 2017.

Background Upper-extremity injuries are frequently seen in the emergency department (ED), yet traditional analgesic methods are often ineffective (e.g., hematoma blocks) or associated with prolonged ED duration and nontrivial risk (e.g., procedural sedation). Ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia of the infraclavicular brachial plexus offers dense anesthesia of the distal upper extremity. The Retroclavicular Approach to The Infraclavicular Region (RAPTIR) is an ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block that has only recently been described in both anesthesia and emergency literature. Case Report We report use of the RAPTIR block in an elderly patient with a subacute angulated distal radius fracture that would otherwise require surgical management. The patient presented 11 days post injury and had no hematoma to block, and her age made her high risk for procedural sedation or operative management. Using the RAPTIR block, ED providers achieved dense anesthesia of her arm, allowing for appropriate reduction of a displaced fracture 11 days after injury. The patient followed with orthopedic surgery, never required additional manipulation, and had full return to activities of daily living. Why Should an Emergency Physician Be Aware of This? In this case, the RAPTIR block safely and effectively anesthetized the distal upper extremity. This block provides clear visualization of neck and thoracic structures and has a simpler technique than traditional inferior brachial plexus blocks. It achieves dense anesthesia to allow for complex or repeat reduction attempts without the need for procedural sedation, opiates, or an operative setting. Our report details this patient, the RAPTIR technique, and the state of the current literature.

Background: Axillary brachial plexus block is one of the widely used techniques for upper extremity surgery. Peripheral nerve blocks (PNB) provide optimal surgical conditions while providing prolonged post-operative analgesia. The transarterial (TA) technique of axillary brachial plexus block is a well established method of producing regional anaesthesia for surgeries at or below elbow. In this prospective randomized study we compared, “peripheral nerve stimulator (PNS) versus trans-arterial (TA) techniques for axillary brachial plexus block” Methods: In this prospective, randomized study 80 patients, age>18 year, ASA-I & II, were divided randomly into two groups PNS and TA. In PNS groups 40 patients received axillary approach of brachial plexus block with the help of peripheral nerve stimulator, and rest TA group received axillary block through transarterial approach. Local anaesthetic 0.25% bupivacaine 15ml+1% lignocaine with adrenaline (1:200,000) 20 ml was used. Then success rate of two different methods of block were compared. Other parameters of comparison was block performance time of block, onset of sensory and motor block, failure rate, analgesia required etcetera. Results: The success rate of the block in PNS group was 90% and the success rate of TA group was 85% and there was no significant difference in success rate. Performance time was significantly low in trans-arterial axillary approach of brachial plexus block (p

Objective In the present study, we explored the clinical effect of midazolam as an adjuvant analgesic and tranquilizer after brachial plexus block anesthesia with the aid of imaging guidance. Methods We selected 106 patients who had undergone elective unilateral upper extremity surgery from January 2017 to December 2019 and randomly divided them into groups A and B, with 53 cases in each group. All the patients had undergone brachial plexus block anesthesia. Group A received imidazole-assisted sedation, and group B received fentanyl plus midazolam-assisted sedation. Under ultrasound-guided intermuscular sulcus brachial plexus block, we observed and recorded the ultrasound anatomical images before injection, including the distance from the lower edge of the upper, middle, and lower trunk of the forearm brachial plexus to the skin. We also recorded the anesthesia and operation times, effects of the anesthetic block, and incidence of adverse reactions. Results The distance from the lower edge of each nerve trunk to the skin averaged 1.002 cm for the upper stem, 1.598 cm for the middle stem, and 2.26 cm for the lower stem. The average anesthesia procedure time was 3 minutes, 56 seconds and was within 3–5 minutes for 92% of the procedures. The anesthesia effect was excellent, good, and poor in 81%, 11%, and 6%, respectively, and ineffective for 2% and effective for 92%. Conclusions The ultrasound-guided inferior intermuscular sulcus approach for brachial plexus block is suitable for unilateral upper extremity radial hand surgery. For surgery involving the upper extremity ulnar hand side, a larger dose (concentration) of local anesthetic should be used within a safe range and/or an additional ulnar nerve block might be necessary. Midazolam adjuvant medication can have a good sedative and amnestic effect in brachial plexus block anesthesia, helping to reduce pain and inhibit the increase in stress levels.

Background: Interscalene block is the most commonly used nerve block for shoulder surgery, and superior trunk block has been investigated as a phrenic-sparing alternative. This randomized controlled trial compared ultrasound-guided interscalene block and superior trunk block as anesthesia for arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Objectives: Our aims were to determine the superiority of anesthesia quality and compare the risk of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis between these 2 blocks. Study Design: A randomized, controlled trial. Setting: Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital. Methods: Forty-eight patients undergoing elective arthroscopic shoulder surgery under an ultrasound guided brachial plexus block were randomized to receive either an interscalene block (ISB group, n = 24) or a superior trunk block (STB group, n = 24) for surgery. Ten milliliters of 2% lidocaine and 10 mL of 0.75% ropivacaine were used as local anesthesia in both brachial plexus block groups (total 20 mL). In the ISB group, the local anesthesia was injected between the C5–C6 root and at the upper part of C5 with equally divided doses. In the STB group, the local anesthesia was injected into the anterior and posterior parts of the superior trunk with equally divided doses. Sensory blockade of each trocar’s insulting site (supraclavicular, axillary, and suprascapular nerve areas) and motor blockade of the axillary nerve (shoulder abduction) and the suprascapular nerve (shoulder external rotation) were assessed by a blinded observer at 5-minute intervals for 30 minutes after the block. Anesthesia quality was assessed using 3 grades (excellent/insufficient/failure). The blinded investigator also assessed the grade of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis (normal/partial/complete) by comparing pre- and postoperative chest radiographs. Primary outcome variables were anesthesia grade and rate of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis. Secondary outcome variables were performance time and anesthesia onset time. Results: The anesthetic grade was significantly different between the 2 groups (22/2/0 in the ISB group vs. 16/3/5 in the STB group, P = 0.046). Both groups displayed equivalent incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis (12/6/6 in the ISB group vs. 7/14/3 in the STB group, P = 0.063). No intergroup differences were found in terms of performance time and anesthesia onset time. Limitations: Our sensory and motor function test was not applied to the subscapular nerve, which serves internal rotation of the humeral head so may be difficult to evaluate in patients with rotator cuff tears. We assessed the diaphragmatic movement by chest radiographs instead of by ultrasound. Conclusions: The superior trunk block provided lower quality of surgical anesthesia than the interscalene block and did not effectively decrease the risk of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis during arthroscopic shoulder surgery for rotator cuff syndrome. Key words: Brachial plexus block, hemidiaphragmatic paralysis, interscalene block, superior trunk block, ultrasound

Background The corner pocket (CP) approach for supraclavicular block (SCB) prevents ulnar nerve (UN) sparing due to needle proximity of lower trunk. Improved ultrasound resolution has suggested that the intertruncal (IT) approach is a suitable alternative method. However, the comparative efficiency of these two approaches on UN block has not been evaluated. Methods Sixty patients were randomized to undergo SCB using the ultrasound-guided CP or IT approach. For lower trunk blockade, 10 mL of local anesthetic agents (1:1 mixture of 0.75% ropivacaine and 1% lidocaine) were injected in the CP (CP approach) or between the lower and middle trunk (IT approach). Additional 15mL was injected identically to block the middle and upper trunks in both groups. Sensory and motor blockade was evaluated after intervention. Results Complete sensory blockade (75.9% [22/29] vs 43.3% [13/30], P = 0.023) and complete motor blockade (82.8% [24/29] vs 50.0% [15/30], P = 0.017) of the UN at 15 min after SCB were significantly more frequent in the IT than in the CP group. Sensory block onset time of UN was significantly shorter in the IT compared to the CP group (15.0 [10.0; 15.0] min vs 20.0 [15.0; 20.0] min; P = 0.011). Conclusions The IT approach provided a more rapid onset of sensory and motor block of the UN than the CP approach. These results suggest that the IT approach is a suitable alternative to the CP approach and can provide faster surgical readiness.

Background and Aims: An ideal adjuvant to local anesthetic in a nerve block should prolong the duration of analgesia, and hasten the onset of sensory and motor blockade without significant adverse effects. The aim of this study was to compare morphine, dexmedetomidine, and dexamethasone as an additive to ropivacaine in ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block (SBPB) for postoperative analgesia. Material and Methods: In this randomized, double-blinded study, 150 patients undergoing upper extremity surgery were randomly divided into three groups: group A (morphine 5 mg), group B (dexmedetomidine 50 μg), and group C (dexamethasone 8 mg). The additives were added to 30 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine solution and administered in SBPB. The duration of postoperative analgesia, onset of sensory and motor blockade, sedation, and adverse effects were observed. The pain was assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) and sedation by Ramsay sedation score. The duration of postoperative analgesia was taken as time consumed from block completion to administration of rescue analgesia (VAS >3). Results: The demographic profile was similar in both groups. The duration of analgesia was significantly longer in dexamethasone (867.2 ± 217.6 min) than morphine (739. 2 ± 162.5 min) and dexmedetomidine (654.2 ± 179.9 min) (P < 0.001). The onset of sensory and motor blockade was quicker with dexmedetomidine than dexamethasone and morphine. Three cases of block failure were reported with morphine. No major adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: Dexamethasone is an ideal adjuvant to ropivacaine in brachial plexus block to prolong postoperative analgesia and devoid of adverse effects. Dexmedetomidine has a quicker onset of sensory and motor blockade.

BACKGROUND Supraclavicular brachial plexus block is a reliable, regional anaesthetic technique for upper limb surgeries. Also known as “spinal of upper limb”.1 The present study was conducted to assess the analgesic efficacy of dexamethasone as an adjuvant to 0.5 % ropivacaine for ultrasound sonography (USG) guided brachial plexus block. METHODS 50 adult patients of American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I and II of both genders, aged 18 - 50 years scheduled for elective upper limb surgeries under brachial plexus block via supraclavicular approach were randomised into 2 groups of 25 patients each to receive either 20 ml of 0.5 % ropivacaine with 2 ml of normal saline (group A) or 20 ml of 0.5 % ropivacaine with 2 ml of dexamethasone (8 mg) (group B). RESULTS Use of ultrasound helps in better visualisation of nerves, needle & spread of local anaesthetic at brachial plexus block site. So, less amount of drug volume is required for the block. Time of onset of sensory and motor block was significantly lower in group B compared to group A. Mean duration of motor and sensory block was significantly longer in group B than group A. The duration of postoperative analgesia was 18.79 ± 2.31 hours in group B & 9.06 ± 0.35 hours in group A, with statistically highly significant difference (P < 0.05). There were no perioperative haemodynamic variations between the two groups and no complication of technique or adverse effects due to dexamethasone occurred. CONCLUSIONS Dexamethasone 8 mg has significantly extended duration of analgesia of brachial plexus block with no adverse effects. KEYWORDS Brachial Plexus Block, Ropivacaine, Dexamethasone, Supraclavicular Approach, Ultrasound Guidance

Intraoperative nerve dysfunction has been difficult to investigate because of its rarity and unpredictable occurrence. The diagnostic test attributes of nerve function monitors have not been clearly defined. This proof-of-concept study aimed to assess the feasibility of using brachial plexus blockade (BPB) in awake patients as an experimental model for nerve dysfunction to characterize the diagnostic test attributes of somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs).We obtained baseline SSEPs and neurologic function in patients and subsequently placed BPBs (experimental model) to generate progressive states of nerve dysfunction. We monitored SSEP changes (index test) and neurologic symptoms (reference standard) simultaneously during the onset of BPB to determine the temporal relationships and diagnostic test attributes of SSEPs.Brachial plexus blockade produced differential motor and sensory dysfunction that allowed simultaneous clinical and neurophysiologic assessment. One hundred and fifty-seven pairs of multiple data points from 14 patients were included for final analysis. The onset of abnormal SSEP signals almost always preceded the onset of neurologic symptoms. The sensitivities and specificities of SSEP to detect the impairment of power (motor rating score ≤ 4/5), cold sensation, and two-point discrimination were 100% and 67%, 99% and 55%, and 100% and 46%, respectively.This study found that BPB can produce sufficient differential nerve dysfunction to allow adequate evaluation of the diagnostic test attributes of SSEPs as a nerve monitor. The results of this study may stimulate further work on refining intraoperative nerve dysfunction models and diagnostic nerve function monitors.www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03409536); registered 24 January 2018.RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: La dysfonction nerveuse peropératoire est difficile à étudier en raison de sa rareté et de son imprévisibilité. Les attributs d’un test diagnostique des moniteurs de la fonction nerveuse n’ont pas été clairement définis. Cette étude de démonstration de faisabilité visait à évaluer la faisabilité de l’utilisation d’un bloc du plexus brachial (BPB) chez des patients éveillés comme modèle expérimental de la dysfonction nerveuse afin de caractériser les attributs de test diagnostique des potentiels évoqués somesthésiques (PES). MéTHODE: Nous avons enregistré les PES et la fonction neurologique de base des patients, puis administré des BPB (modèle expérimental) pour générer des états progressifs de dysfonction nerveuse. Nous avons surveillé simultanément les changements des PES (test pour déterminer l’indicateur) et les symptômes neurologiques (norme de référence) pendant l’évolution du BPB afin de déterminer les relations temporelles et les attributs de test diagnostique des PES. RéSULTATS: Le bloc du plexus brachial a produit une dysfonction motrice et sensorielle différentielle qui nous a permis de procéder à une évaluation clinique et neurophysiologique simultanée. Cent cinquante-sept paires de points de données multiples issues de 14 patients ont été incluses pour l’analyse finale. L’apparition de signaux de PES anormaux a presque toujours précédé l’apparition de symptômes neurologiques. Les sensibilités et les spécificités des PES pour détecter la perte de force (score moteur ≤ 4/5), la sensation de froid et la discrimination à deux points étaient de 100 % et 67 %, 99 % et 55 %, et 100 % et 46 %, respectivement. CONCLUSION: Cette étude a constaté que le bloc du plexus brachial peut produire une dysfonction nerveuse différentielle suffisante pour permettre l’évaluation adéquate des attributs de test diagnostique des PES en tant que moniteur nerveux. Les résultats de cette étude pourraient motiver d’autres travaux sur l’amélioration des modèles de dysfonction nerveuse peropératoire et des moniteurs diagnostiques de la fonction nerveuse. ENREGISTREMENT DE L’éTUDE: www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03409536); enregistrée le 24 janvier 2018.

Background and Aims: Successful brachial plexus blocks (BPB) rely on proper techniques of nerve localization, needle placement and local anesthetic injection. This study aimed at comparing the efficacy of costoclavicular brachial plexus block versus supraclavicular brachial plexus block for forearm and hand surgeries for providing surgical anesthesia by evaluating the time of onset of sensory and motor blockade, nerve sparing effect and duration of analgesia in both the groups. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients with ASA physical status 1, 2 and 3 undergoing forearm and hand surgeries were recruited. Fifty patients in Group C (n=25) and Group S (n=25) received 20 ml 0.5% ropivacaine by ultrasound guided costoclavicular and supraclavicular BPB respectively. The primary outcome measure was the time of onset of sensory and motor blockade. Secondary outcome measures included nerve sparing effect and duration of analgesia. Statistical analysis was done with student-t test, unpaired t-test and Fisher exact test. Results: In our study, onset of sensory blockade (8.20 ± 0.58 mins vs 9.72 ± 0.84 mins) and onset of motor blockade (11.72 ± 0.79 mins vs 12.56 ± 0.92 mins) were significantly shorter in group C when compared to group S. We did not find any nerve sparing effect in both the groups unlike other studies. Duration of analgesia (13.14±0.91 hours vs 12.84±0.93 hours) and requirement of rescue analgesics were comparable in both the groups. Conclusion: We conclude that ultrasound guided costoclavicular BPB has shorter procedural time and rapid onset of sensory-motor blockade compared to supraclavicular BPB. Keywords: Supraclavicular, Infraclavicular, costoclavicular space, Ultrasonography, Ropivacaine.

Introduction Respiratory muscle function in the postoperative period is a key to whether a patient develops Postoperative Respiratory Failure (PRF) or not. PRF occurs when the gas exchange does not meet metabolic needs. Ipsilateral paralysis of the hemidiaphragm after interscalenic brachial plexus block (ISB) causes an acute reduction of respiratory muscle function. This reduction does not cause PRF when the contralateral hemidiaphragm generates enough gas exchange to meet metabolic demands. Objectives To study the evolution of hemidiaphragmatic muscle function during the perioperative period with diaphragmatic ultrasound (D-POCUS), and use it as an innovative tool to predict PRF, assessing the contralateral hemidiaphragm in the event of acute hemidiaphragm paralysis. Methods Patients considered high risk, scheduled for shoulder surgery with ISB are studied. Both hemidiaphragms were evaluated by ultrasound, before and after the procedure, measuring Thickening Fraction (TF) and Diaphragmatic Excursion (DE). PACU patients with PRF were registered. Results There was a significant reduction in the TF and DE of the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm in the six patients studied. Only 1/6 patients showed signs of PRF. The evaluation of the contralateral hemidiaphragm during the postoperative period showed that in the five patients without signs of PRF, there were no significant changes in the function of the contralateral hemidiaphragm. The patient, who showed a reduction in contralateral hemidiaphragm function, was the only one who suffered PRF. Conclusions In this case series, D-POCUS allows to know the perioperative function of the diaphragm in high-risk patients. All patients suffered an acute reduction of hemidiaphragm function after ISB; however, these patients did not develop PRF when the contralateral hemidiaphragm function was preserved.

Background Brachial plexus block has substituted general anesthesia in the majority of patients planned for upper limb surgeries as it avoids the undesired effects of the medications used in general anesthesia as well as the stress response associated with airway manipulation. Opioid agonist–antagonists such as nalbuphine are used as adjuvant to improve the anesthetic properties of bupivacaine. Verapamil has an additive effect in brachial plexus blockade in the form of decreasing the consumption of analgesics in the postoperative period with reducing onset time and extending the duration of motor and sensory blockade. The aim of this study is to investigate the adjuvant effect of verapamil versus nalbuphine to 0.5% bupivacaine in brachial plexus block as regards onset, duration of sensory and motor blockade and postoperative analgesic augmentation. The study is randomized, prospective, double-blinded, comparative study where 90 patients subjected to arm, forearm and hand surgeries were randomized into three groups, group A received 30 ml of plain bupivacaine 0.5% plus 2 ml of normal saline, group B received 30 ml of bupivacaine 0.5% plus 2 ml verapamil equivalent to 5 mg, group C received 30 ml of bupivacaine 0.5% plus 10 mg of nalbuphine diluted in 2 ml of normal saline. Results Results of this study showed that group C and group B sensory block time onset was 7.25 ± 1.5 vs. 10.92 ± 3.84 min, P < 0.001 and was shorter than that in group A (13.2 ± 2.66 min). In addition, the motor block onset was (11.10 ± 1.24 vs. 13.50 ± 3.77 min, P < 0.001) shorter than group A (17.16 ± 1.30 min). In group C and group B, sensory block duration was 396 ± 32.17 vs. 355.83 ± 18.48 min, P < 0.001, respectively and was longer than that in group A (321.13 ± 25.08 min). Also, there was prolonged motor block duration in group C and group B recording (338.92 ± 25.2 vs. 302.93 ± 15.24 min, P < 0.001) and was longer than that in group A (280.70 ± 32.35 min). Time of demand of rescue analgesia dose was significantly long in group C and group B (449.53 ± 52.45 vs. 418.13 ± 41.12 min, P < 0.001) and was longer than group A (361.31 ± 21.42 min). Both verapamil and nalbuphine have additive effect to bupivacaine improving the all anesthetic parameters of the block. Conclusion Both drugs produce favorable enhancement of time onset and effective prolongation of duration of sensory and motor blockade and extend the period of postoperative analgesia with superiority to nalbuphine over verapamil.

Background The median effective dose of ropivacaine required for producing an effective costoclavicular block has not yet been determined. The authors conducted this dose-finding study with the objective of determining the median effective dose of 0.5% ropivacaine required to produce a successful costoclavicular block for surgical anesthesia in 50% of the patients (ED50) as well as the calculated dose required for effective blockade in 95% of the patients (ED95). Methods This single-armed prospective study was conducted on 40 American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I or II patients, aged 18 to 60 yr, with a body mass index of 18 to 30 kg/m2, scheduled to undergo forearm and hand surgeries under ultrasound-guided costoclavicular block. A volume of 0.5% ropivacaine administered in the costoclavicular space was determined using the sample up-and-down sequential allocation study design of binary response variables. The first patient received a volume of 26 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine. After a successful or unsuccessful block, the volume of local anesthetic was decreased or increased, respectively, by 2 ml in the next patient. Evaluation of sensory and motor block was performed every 5 min for 30 min and graded using a 3-point scale. Surgical anesthesia was considered to be successful if a minimum score of 14 was achieved and the surgeon was able to proceed with surgery without needing to supplement anesthesia. Results The volume of local anesthetic administered ranged from 8 to 26 ml. Centered isotonic regression with a bias-corrected Morris 95% CI derived by bootstrapping showed ED50 of 13.5 ml (95% CI, 11.5 to 15.4 ml) and ED95 of 18.9 ml (95% CI, 17.9 to 27.5 ml). Conclusions A 19-ml dose of 0.5% ropivacaine is likely to produce an effective ultrasound-guided costoclavicular block for providing adequate surgical anesthesia to 95% of the patients. Editor’s Perspective What We Already Know about This Topic What This Article Tells Us That Is New

Background: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) for hemodialysis is essential for patients with end-stage renal disease. However, it is difficult to maintain AVF reliably. It is vitally important to select proper blood vessels for AVF formation. In a previous study, a minimum diameter of 3 mm for the autologous vein was proposed. However, patients who did not meet the minimum vascular diameter before anesthesia, but fulfilled other criteria, showed satisfactory venous dilatation after brachial plexus block (BPB). This study investigated the extent of vein expansion by BPB and the surgical outcomes of dilated veins after BPB. Methods: Sixty-one patients who underwent AVF formation using an autologous vein between August 2018 and December 2019 were included in the study. The clinical characteristics of the patient groups, hemodynamic parameters including the diameter of blood vessels before and after BPB, and complications were investigated. Based on the venous diameter measured by sonography before anesthesia, patients were divided into group A (26 patients) and group B (35 patients), with venous diameters

Background: Interscalene brachial plexus block (ISBPB) is commonly used with general anesthesia for postoperative pain management in shoulder surgery. This study investigated the incidence of hypothermia and changes in the body temperature in patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery under ISBPB with propofol sedation.Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 220 patients who underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Patients were divided into general anesthesia (n = 34) and ISBPB with propofol sedation (n = 186) groups, and medical records were retrospectively compared. In addition, patients from the ISBPB group were further divided according to age (elderly, [≥ 65 years]; n = 98 vs. young, [< 65 years]; n = 88), and the incidence of hypothermia and changes in the body temperature were compared. Results: Twenty-seven patients (12.3%) experienced perioperative hypothermia (range; 35.3–35.9℃). The incidence of perioperative hypothermia was 29.4% and 9.1% in the general anesthesia and ISBPB groups, respectively, and there was a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.002). The incidence of perioperative hypothermia according to age in the ISBPB group was 9.2% and 9.1% in the elderly and young groups, respectively, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.983).Conclusions: The incidence of perioperative hypothermia during arthroscopic shoulder surgery under ISBPB with propofol sedation is lower than that under general anesthesia. Furthermore, when using ISBPB with propofol sedation, the incidence of perioperative hypothermia in elderly patients is similar to that in younger patients.

Aim:To study the onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade Introduction: Brachial plexus block provides a useful alternative to general anaesthesia for upper limb surgeries. Bupivacaine is one of the most frequently used local anaesthetic which has a longer duration of action of 3 to 8 hours but has drawbacks of delayed onset and patchy analgesia. Dexamethasone is a very potent glucocorticoid with very good anti-inammatory and analgesic activity. Materials and methods: A prospective, randomised single-blinded study was undertaken in patients posted for upper limb surgeries under the supraclavicular block. 60 patients with ASA class I and II were randomly grouped into two groups. Group I received 30ml bupivacaine 0.5% and Group II received a combination of 28ml bupivacaine 0.5% and 2ml dexamethasone 8mg. 30ml solution is used for a single shot blockade of supraclavicular brachial plexus. Results: Group II patients had a faster onset of action and prolonged duration of action. Discussion: The addition of dexamethasone 8mg to bupivacaine 0.5% speeds the onset of sensory and motor blockade also prolongs the duration thus provides better analgesia and reduces the requirements of rescue analgesics. Conclusion:Acombination of bupivacaine 0.5% and dexamethasone 8mg has a signicantly faster onset and prolonged duration of action.

BACKGROUND AND AIM:Brachial plexus block is a safe, effective, low-cost anesthesia with good postoperative analgesia. Adjuvants to local anesthetics may enhance the quality and duration of analgesia. The aim of the study was to study the efcacy of a combination of 0.25% bupivacaine alone versus 0.25% bupivacaine and dexmedetomidine in brachial plexus block by supraclavicular approach. METHODS: This is a prospective double-blind study conducted on sixty patients of ASA1 and ASA2 posted for upper limb surgeries, randomized in a double-blind fashion into two groups. Group A (N-30) received 34ml of 0.25% bupivacaine with 0.5ml of distilled water and group B (N-30) received 0.5ml dexmedetomidine (50 μg) with 34ml of 0.25% bupivacaine as supraclavicular brachial plexus block with help of a nerve stimulator. Onset and recovery time of sensory and motor block, duration of analgesia, sedation scores, quality of block, and side effects compared in both groups. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were well matched in both groups. The intraoperative hemodynamic recording was done at 15 min time intervals from the administration of the drugs. There was a reduction in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure 30 mins onwards in both groups. There was no signicant difference in the onset of sensory and motor blocks. Duration of sensory block was 299.57 ± 35.94 mins in Group A and 782.2 ± 82.76 mins in Group B, duration of motor block was 272.17 ± 37.31 mins versus 755.63 +/- 86.6 mins respectively, total duration of analgesia was 321 ± 35.46 mins versus 815.80 +/- 88.1 mins respectively. Ramsay sedation score was similar at arrival in both groups but in post-op, the score of 3 was noted in 0% (0/ 30) in Gr A and 93.3% (28/ 30) in Gr B . Quality of analgesia was also better in Group B. There were no signicant adverse events noted in both groups. CONCLUSION: This double-blind Randomized Controlled study showing the combination of dexmedetomidine 50 μg with 34ml of 0.25% bupivacaine is better than 0.5ml of distilled water with 34ml of 0.25% bupivacaine in the duration of sensory and motor block, with better sedation and quality of analgesia with the good safety prole in brachial plexus block by supraclavicular approach.

Background Bupivacaine and ropivacaine are the preferred long-acting local anesthetics for peripheral nerve blocks as they provide prolonged analgesia in the postoperative period. No studies have directly compared the analgesic duration of these commonly used local anesthetics in the setting of low-volume ultrasound-guided interscalene block (US-ISB). This study was designed to determine which local anesthetic and concentration provides superior analgesia (duration and quality) for low-volume US-ISB. Methods Sixty eligible patients scheduled for arthroscopic shoulder surgery were randomized (1:1:1) to receive US-ISB (5 mL) with 0.5% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine, 0.5% ropivacaine, or 1% ropivacaine. All individuals were blinded including study participants, anesthesiologists, surgeons, research personnel, and statistician. All participants received a standardized general anesthetic and multimodal analgesia. The primary outcome was duration of analgesia defined as the time from the end of injection to the time that the patients reported a significant increase in pain (>3 numeric rating scale [NRS]) at the surgical site. Results The mean duration of analgesia for 0.5% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine, 0.5% ropivacaine, or 1% ropivacaine was 14.1 ± 7.4, 13.8 ± 4.5, and 15.8 ± 6.3 hours, respectively (analysis of variance [ANOVA], P = .51). There were no observed differences in analgesic duration or other secondary outcomes between the 3 groups with the exception of a difference in cumulative opioid consumption up to 20h00 on the day of surgery in favor of ropivacaine 0.5% over bupivacaine of minimal clinical significance. Conclusions In the context of single-injection low-volume US-ISB, we have demonstrated a similar efficacy between equal concentrations of ropivacaine and bupivacaine. In addition, increasing the concentration of ropivacaine from 0.5% to 1% did not prolong the duration of US-ISB.

BACKGROUND To improve the time of regional anaesthesia many methods have been used. Epinephrine continues to be the most commonly used drug for this purpose. We wanted to compare the effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists clonidine and adrenaline as an adjuvant to ropivacaine in blocking brachial plexus by the supraclavicular approach in patients undergoing upper limb surgeries. METHODS It is a prospective randomised comparative study conducted for 18 months in 40 patients randomly divided into group RA and group RC, conducted on American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) I and II patients undergoing upper limb surgeries under supraclavicular brachial plexus block. In group RA 30 mL of 0.5 % ropivacaine with 5 microgram / mL of epinephrine was given and in group RC 30 mL of 0.5 % ropivacaine with 1 microgram / Kg of clonidine was given. RESULTS On comparing effects of added alpha-adrenergic agonists clonidine and epinephrine to ropivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus block, it was found that there was no significant difference in the onset of the sensory blockade and motor blockade in the two groups. Duration of sensory blockade was significantly more in the clonidine with ropivacaine group when compared with the epinephrine and ropivacaine. There was no significant difference in haemodynamic responses between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Supraclavicular approach brachial plexus block is effective in terms of cost and performance, and the margin of safety along with good postoperative analgesia. Hence, it can be concluded that the addition of 1 µg / Kg of clonidine to 0.5 % ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block provides a longer duration of analgesia as compared to 5 µg / mL of epinephrine added to 0.5 % ropivacaine. KEYWORDS Ropivacaine, Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus, Epinephrine

Background and aims Arthroscopic orthopaedic surgery may lead to significant postoperative pain. Interscalene block (ISB) is associated with undesirable effects like phrenic nerve palsy. Shoulder block (ShB) is a relatively recent diaphragm sparing alternative for analgesia in these cases. Methods This prospective randomised trial was conducted in 70 adult patients posted for arthroscopic Bankart repair surgery. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups: interscalene block [Group ISB (n = 35): 0.5% bupivacaine 10 ml] or shoulder block [Group ShB (n = 35): 0.5% bupivacaine (suprascapular block 10 ml and axillary block 10 ml)] using ultrasound and nerve stimulator. The primary aim of our study was to compare the ISB with ShB for visual analogue score (VAS) in recovery area (zero hour). Time for block performance, VAS, time to first rescue analgesia, total analgesic requirement, patient satisfaction and complications were recorded. Results VAS was significantly higher in ShB group at 2 and 4 h (P = 0.001 and 0.000) while it was significantly higher in ISB group at 12 h (P = 0.013). The time to first analgesic request was significantly prolonged in ISB group as compared to ShB group (8.22 h vs. 4.69 h; P = 0.002) but total analgesic requirement and patient satisfaction at 24 h were similar. Complications like dyspnoea, ptosis and motor weakness were seen only with ISB group. Conclusion Both ShB and ISB blocks have similar efficacy in terms of postoperative pain scores, cumulative analgesic requirements and patient satisfaction. However, considering the various undesirable effects associated with ISB, like phrenic nerve blockade, prolonged upper limb weakness and the occurrence of rebound pain, shoulder block may be preferred for arthroscopic shoulder surgeries.