Transient median nerve palsy following ultrasound-guided subscapularis plane block: a case report

Abstract The subscapularis plane block is an effective approach to anesthetize axillary and upper subscapular nerves. There have been no reports regarding brachial plexus paralysis as a potential complication to date. Described here is a case of median nerve palsy following ultrasound-guided subscapularis plane block for awake frozen shoulder manipulation that was performed on a 52-year-old female diagnosed with adhesive capsulitis. The patient could not flex digits two and three, and ipsilateral inner palm numbness occurred shortly after the block commenced, with complete resolution in the next two hours. The local anesthetics spillage towards brachial plexus with possible partial paralysis should always be expected after subscapularis plane block.

Hemidiaphragmatic paralysis after ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block: a prospective cohort study / Paralisia hemidiafragmática após bloqueio supraclavicular guiado por ultrassom: um estudo coorte prospectivo

Abstract Background and objectives: The frequent onset of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis during interscalene block restricts its use in patients with respiratory insufficiency. Supraclavicular block could be a safe and effective alternative. Our primary objective was to assess the incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis following ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block and compare it to that of interscalene block. Methods: Adults warranting elective shoulder surgery under regional anesthesia (Toulouse University Hospital) were prospectively enrolled from May 2016 to May 2017 in this observational study. Twenty millilitres of 0.375% Ropivacaine were injected preferentially targeted to the "corner pocket". Diaphragmatic excursion was measured by ultrasonography before and 30 minutes after regional anesthesia. A reduction ≥25% in diaphragmatic excursion during a sniff test defined the hemidiaphragmatic paralysis. Dyspnoea and hypoxaemia were recorded in the recovery room. Predictive factors of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis (gender, age, weight, smoking, functional capacity) were explored. Postoperative pain was also analysed. Results: Forty-two and 43 patients from respectively the supraclavicular block and interscalene block groups were analysed. The incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis was 59.5% in the supraclavicular block group compared to 95.3% in the interscalene block group (p < 0.0001). Paradoxical movement of the diaphragm was more common in the interscalene block group (RR = 2, 95% CI 1.4-3; p = 0.0001). A similar variation in oxygen saturation was recorded between patients with and without hemidiaphragmatic paralysis (p = 0.08). No predictive factor of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis could be identified. Morphine consumption and the highest numerical rating scale numerical rating scale (NRS) at 24 hours did not differ between groups. Conclusions: Given the frequent incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis following supraclavicular block, this technique cannot be recommended for patients with an altered respiratory function.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: O aparecimento frequente de paralisia hemidiafragmática durante o bloqueio interescalênico restringe seu uso em pacientes com insuficiência respiratória. O bloqueio supraclavicular pode ser uma opção segura e eficaz. Nosso objetivo primário foi avaliar a incidência de paralisia hemidiafragmática após bloqueio supraclavicular guiado por ultrassom e compará-lo com o bloqueio interescalênico. Métodos: Os adultos agendados para cirurgia eletiva do ombro sob anestesia regional (Hospital Universitário de Toulouse) foram prospectivamente incluídos neste estudo observacional, de maio de 2016 a maio de 2017. Vinte mililitros de ropivacaína a 0,375% foram injetados, preferencialmente objetivando a interseção da primeira costela e da artéria subclávia. A excursão diafragmática foi medida por ultrassonografia antes e 30 minutos após a anestesia regional. Uma redução ≥ 25% na excursão diafragmática durante um sniff test definiu a paralisia hemidiafragmática. Dispneia e hipoxemia foram registradas na sala de recuperação. Fatores preditivos de paralisia hemidiafragmática (sexo, idade, peso, tabagismo, capacidade funcional) foram explorados. A dor pós-operatória também foi avaliada. Resultados: Quarenta e dois e 43 pacientes dos grupos bloqueio supraclavicular e bloqueio interescalênico, respectivamente, foram avaliados. A incidência de paralisia hemidiafragmática foi de 59,5% no grupo bloqueio supraclavicular em comparação com 95,3% no grupo bloqueio interescalênico (p < 0,0001). O movimento paradoxal do diafragma foi mais comum no grupo bloqueio interescalênico (RR = 2, 95% IC 1,4-3; p = 0,0001). Uma variação semelhante na saturação de oxigênio foi registrada entre os pacientes com e sem paralisia hemidiafragmática (p = 0,08). Nenhum fator preditivo de paralisia hemidiafragmática pôde ser identificado. O consumo de morfina e o maior escore na escala numérica (NRS) em 24 horas não diferiram entre os grupos. Conclusão: Devido à frequente incidência de paralisia hemidiafragmática após bloqueio supraclavicular, essa técnica não pode ser recomendada para pacientes com função respiratória alterada.

Parálisis diafragmática unilateral. Consecuencias del bloqueo del plexo braquial vía supraclavicular con ecografía / Unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis. Consequences of brachial plexus block by supraclavicular way with ecogram

Introducción: la anestesia regional ha experimentado importantes cambios en los últimos años, debido, principalmente, al uso de la electroestimulación y la ecografía. La parálisis unilateral del diafragma es una complicación secundaria al bloqueo del plexo braquial por vía supraclavicular con una incidencia del 50 al 67 por ciento. La introducción de la ecolocalización no está exenta de esta. Dar a conocer todos los pormenores a su alrededor para que sirvan de guía a generaciones futuras es un deber de cada investigador. Objetivo: incrementar el conocimiento del manejo de pacientes con bloqueos periféricos bajo el uso de la ultrasonografía y la importancia de su seguimiento. Caso clínico: paciente de 60 años con 82 kg de peso, el que se planificó operación electiva para retirar tumor del antebrazo. Antecedentes de cardiopatía isquémica hipertensiva tratada con la colocación de dos stent. Se decidió realizar bloqueo del plexo braquial por vía supraclavicular y se obtuvo un correcto bloqueo, pero se produjo una parálisis del diafragma unilateral con repercusión para el bienestar del paciente. Conclusiones: a pesar de usar la ultrasonografía para los bloqueos periféricos, se debe seguir una vigilancia estricta de cada paciente durante todo el acto quirúrgico(AU)

Introduction: Regional anesthesia has experienced major changes in recent years, particularly due to the use of electrostimulation and ecogram. The unilateral paralysis of the diaphragm is a secondary complication after blocking the supraclavicular brachial plexus, with an incidence of 50 to 67 percent. The introduction of echolocation is not exempt from this. Every scholar should provide all the details related to it, so that they can serve as a guide to the coming generations. Objective: To increase knowledge on the management of patients with peripheral nerve blocks under the use of ultrasound and the importance of following them. Clinical case: 60-year-old patient with 82 kg of weight, which was planned elective surgery to remove tumor from the forearm. The patient had antecedents of hypertensive ischemic heart disease treated with the placement of two stents. It was decided to lock the supraclavicular brachial plexus, obtaining a correct locking, but there was a unilateral paralysis of the diaphragm with implications for the patient's welfare. Conclusions: despite using ultrasound for peripheral nerve blocks, you must follow a strict monitoring of each patient throughout the surgical act(AU)

Aphonia after shoulder surgery: case report / Afonia após cirurgia do ombro: relato de caso

ABSTRACT In this case report we highlight the uniqueness of aphonia as, to the best of our knowledge, cases of aphonia related to interscalene brachial plexus block (IBPB) are not described in the literature. Although hoarseness is a common complication of IBPB, aphonia is not. Therefore, we think it is important to publicize the first case of aphonia after IBPB, which may have arisen only because of a recurrent laryngeal nerve chronic injury contralateral to the IBPB site.

RESUMO Relativamente a este relato de caso destacamos a sua singularidade, uma vez que não se encontram descritos na literatura, tanto ou quanto os autores puderam investigar, casos de afonia após uma anestesia combinada com bloqueio do plexo braquial via interescalénica (BPBI). Embora a rouquidão seja uma complicação frequente do BPBI, a afonia não o é. Desse modo, pensamos ser importante dar a conhecer o primeiro caso de afonia após o BPBI, que na opinião dos autores surgiu apenas por causa de uma lesão crônica do nervo laríngeo recorrente contralateral ao local do BPBI.

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Axillary Brachial Plexus Block Techniques: Perineural Injection versus Single or Double Perivascular Infiltration

PURPOSE: We compared three methods of ultrasound-guided axillary brachial plexus block, which were single, and double perivascular (PV) infiltration techniques, and a perineural (PN) injection technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 78 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II undergoing surgery of the forearm, wrist, or hand were randomly allocated to three groups. 2% lidocaine with epinephrine 5 microg/mL was used. The PN group (n=26) received injections at the median, ulnar, and radial nerve with 8 mL for each nerve. The PV1 group (n=26) received a single injection of 24 mL at 12-o'clock position of the axillary artery. The PV2 group (n=26) received two injections of 12 mL each at 12-o'clock and 6-o'clock position. For all groups, musculocutaneous nerve was blocked separately. RESULTS: The PN group (391.2+/-171.6 sec) had the longest anesthetic procedure duration than PV1 (192.8+/-59.0 sec) and PV2 (211.4+/-58.6 sec). There were no differences in onset time. The average induction time was longer in PN group (673.4+/-149.6 sec) than PV1 (557.6+/-194.9 sec) and PV2 (561.5+/-129.8 sec). There were no differences in the success rate (89.7% vs. 86.2% vs. 89.7%). CONCLUSION: The PV injection technique consisting of a single injection in 12-o'clock position above the axillary artery in addition to a musculocutaneous nerve block is equally effective and less time consuming than the PN technique. Therefore, the PV technique is an alternative method that may be used in busy clinics or for difficult cases.

Bloqueo continuo del plexo braquial en el posoperatorio inmediato / Continuous brachial plexus block in immediate postoperative

OBJETIVO: evaluar el período posoperatorio inmediato en pacientes con lesiones traumáticas quirúrgicas del miembro superior que han recibido dos métodos de anestesia-analgesia. MÉTODOS: se estudiaron 240 pacientes, todos ASA I-II-III según la clasificación del estado físico de la Sociedad Americana de Anestesiología. Se dividieron en dos grupos iguales, grupo G: anestesia general endotraqueal más fentanil y analgesia con dipirona 1,2 g IM cada 6 h, y grupo B: anestesia regional por técnicas continuas de bloqueo del plexo braquial con 100 mg de bupivacaína y analgesia regional con igual anestésico local cada 6 h. RESULTADOS: las complicaciones respiratorias se presentaron solamente en el grupo G (p= 0,01), mientras que las cardiovasculares se observaron 5,3 veces más en el grupo G (p= 0,000). Las náuseas y vómitos se manifestaron en más de la mitad de los pacientes (55 %) del grupo G y solo en seis (5 %) del grupo B (p= 0,000). La retención de orina y la oliguria se observó en tres y cuatro pacientes respectivamente, todos masculinos y del grupo G (p= 0,000). La tendencia a la hiperglucemia apareció en el grupo G en 27 pacientes (22,5 %) y solo en cinco (4,2 %) del grupo B (p= 0,000). Las molestias por la manipulación de la vía aérea superior, se presentaron en 79 pacientes (65,8 %) del grupo G; mientras que las molestias por el catéter solo se refirió en 16 pacientes (13,3 %) del grupo B. El grupo G a las 24 h llegó a tener 69 pacientes (57,5 %) en el nivel de analgesia no satisfactoria (p= 0,01). CONCLUSIONES: el método de anestesia-analgesia regional por bloqueo continuo del plexo braquial tuvo menor incidencia de complicaciones en el posoperatorio inmediato y mejor calidad de analgesia.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the immediate postoperative period in surgical patients with traumatic injuries of the upper limb who have undertaken two methods of anesthesia-analgesia. METHODS: 240 patients were studied, all ASA I-II-III according to the classification of the American Society of Anesthesiologists for physical state. They were divided into two equal groups. Group G had general endotracheal anesthesia and analgesia with fentanyl plus dipyrone 1.2 g IM every 6 h, and group B who had regional anesthesia techniques for continuous brachial plexus block with 100 mg of bupivacaine and regional analgesia with equal local anesthetic every 6 h. RESULTS: respiratory complications occurred only in group G (p= 0.01), cardiovascular complications were observed 5.3 times more in G group (p= 0.000). Nausea and vomiting were expressed in more than half of patients (55 %) in group G and only in six (5 %) from group B (p= 0.000). Urine retention and oliguria were observed in three and four patients respectively, all male from group G (p= 0.000). Hyperglycemia tendency appeared in group G in 27 patients (22.5 %) and in only five (4.2 %) from group B (p= 0.000). Discomfort by manipulating the upper airway occurred in 79 patients (65.8 %) from group G; nuisance due to the catheter was only referred in 16 patients (13.3 %) from group B. 24 hours after surgery, Group G had 69 patients (57.5 %) in unsatisfactory analgesia level (p= 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: the method of regional anesthesia-analgesia by continuous brachial plexus block had lower incidence of complications in the immediate postoperative period and better quality of analgesia.