Comparison Conventional Technique and ultrasound-guided supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

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Comparison Conventional Technique and ultrasound-guided supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

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Background: The conventional technique of supraclavicular brachial plexus block often requires multiple trials and error needle attempts, resulting in long procedure time, procedure related pain, discomfort and lethal complication. Ultrasound has improved the success rate of block with excellent localization as well as improved safety rates with lower complication rates. Objectives: To compare the effects of supraclavicular brachial plexus block using conventional blind technique and US technique in terms of success rate of technique, number of complications observed, Time taken for the procedure, Onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade, duration of postoperative analgesia. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective randomized nonblinded comparative study in which patients of ASA Grade I and II posted for upper limb orthopedic surgeries admitted during Nov 2015 to May 2017 to the Department of Orthopedics, GMERS Medical College, Hospital, Sola, Ahmedabad were enrolled in the study. There were total 100 patients enrolled who satisfies study selection criteria out of which 50 were randomized in Group C (Conventional) and 50 were randomized in Group US (Ultrasound Guided). Results: The block was successful in 72% of patients in Group C compared to 94% in Group US. In conventional group incidence of complications like vessel puncture 12%, pneumothorax 2% noted while in US Group vessel puncture 4% noted. Time for procedure for block in Group US is longer as compared to conventional Group C. Onset of sensory block & motor block in conventional group C is longer as compared to US Group. Conclusion: US guided supraclavicular block is more successful technique with less number of complications and longer duration of block compared to Conventional technique.

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