DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i02.021

Pages: 407-410

Ultrasound guided brachial plexus blocks have gained popularity. This observational study compared block performance time, time of onset of sensory and motor block , success and failure rates , need of rescue block and intraoperative analgesic supplementation and complications rate between ultrasound guided and traditional paraesthesia elicitation techniques. Methods: Total 70 ASA I-II adult patients undergoing elective upper limb surgery excluding shoulder were observed for supraclavicular plexus block performed routinely by different anaesthesiologists using either traditional technique with 35 ml anaesthetic agent or ultrasound guidance with 25 ml anaesthetic agent and were equally divided into two groups. Parameters noted were block performance time, onset of sensory and motor block, failure rate, success rate, need of supplementation and complications. Results: Block performance time was lower in traditional group as compared to USG group( 5.78+/_0.97 vs 7.41+/_1.40, p=0.844). Onset of sensory block was in lesser time in USG group as compared to traditional group (12.8+/_4.60 vs 17.0+/_8.28, p=0.821) and similar for motor block (14.06+/_5.21 vs 18.86+/_9.58, p=0.880). More block failure in traditional group (2.85% vs 0) and more need of supplementation (14.7% vs 5.7%) in traditional group compared to USG group. USG group had higher success rate (94.3% vs 82.85%) than traditional group. Vessel puncture was more in traditional group (22.8% vs 8.57%) along with mild chest pain/pneumothorax (2.85%) as compared to USG group. Conclusion: Ultrasound guidance allows use of lesser anaesthetic drug, earlier onset of sensory and motor effect, more success blocks, less need of supplementation, lesser block failure and lesser complications compared to traditional technique.