Diaphragmatic and Pulmonary Functions Following an Ultrasound-Guided Supraclavicular Approach Versus a Costoclavicular Approach of a Brachial Plexus Block: A Randomized Study.

INTRODUCTION: A costoclavicular brachial plexus block is an emerging infraclavicular approach that targets the cords lateral to the axillary artery, providing rapid onset of sensory-motor blockade. However, the incidence of hemi-diaphragmatic paralysis (HDP), a potential complication, remains unclear compared to the widely used supraclavicular (SC) approach. This study aimed to compare the incidence of HDP between ultrasound-guided costoclavicular and SC brachial plexus blocks. OBJECTIVES: To compare the influence of ultrasound-guided SC and costoclavicular brachial plexus blocks on diaphragmatic excursion, thickness, and contractility along with pulmonary function. MATERIALS AND METHODS:  This prospective, randomized, observer-blinded controlled trial included 60 patients undergoing below-shoulder surgeries. Patients were randomized to receive either ultrasound-guided SC (Group S) or costoclavicular (Group C) brachial plexus block with 0.5% levobupivacaine. The diaphragmatic function was assessed using ultrasonographic evaluation of diaphragm thickness and diaphragmatic thickness fraction (DTF) pre- and postblock. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) (forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)) were performed preblock and two hours postblock. Block characteristics were compared. RESULTS: The SC group exhibited a significantly larger reduction in DTF from preblock to postblock compared to the costoclavicular group (mean ΔDTF: 34.38% vs. 14.01%, p<0.01). Both groups showed significant declines in FVC, FEV1, and PEFR postblock, but the magnitude of deterioration was significantly greater in the SC group, displaying no significant difference in block characteristics. CONCLUSION: The costoclavicular brachial plexus block demonstrated superior preservation of diaphragmatic contractility and lesser deterioration of PFTs compared to the SC approach while being equally effective. These findings highlight the potential benefits of the costoclavicular technique in minimizing diaphragmatic dysfunction and respiratory impairment, particularly in patients at risk for respiratory complications.

A Comparative Study of Dexmedetomidine versus Nalbuphine Used as an Adjuvant to Chloroprocaine for Daycare Surgeries Performed under Subarachnoid Block.

Backgrounds and Aims: Nalbuphine or dexmedetomidine when used as an adjuvant to local anesthetic agents may alter the characteristics of subarachnoid block. The study aimed to compare the effect of adding these drugs as an adjuvant to chloroprocaine for spinal anesthesia. Settings and Design: This prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted at a tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: After obtaining permission from the institutional ethical committee and informed patient consent, patients scheduled for surgeries under subarachnoid block were randomized into three groups of 50 each: Group C: Injection 1% chloroprocaine 40 mg (4 mL) with 1 mL normal saline, Group DC: injection 1% chloroprocaine 40 mg (4 mL) with dexmedetomidine 10 µg diluted to 1 mL in normal saline, and Group NC: injection 1% chloroprocaine 40 mg (4 mL) with nalbuphine 0.4 mg diluted to 1 mL in normal saline. Onset, peak, duration, and time to complete regression of sensory and motor blockade were noted. Side effects, if any, were noted and managed appropriately. Statistical Analysis: Qualitative data were analyzed using Chi-square test and quantitative data were analyzed using Student's t-test and two-sided Mann-Whitney U-test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Group DC had prolonged time to onset, duration, and complete regression of sensory and motor block compared to Group NC and Group C (P < 0.001). Hemodynamic parameters, sedation score, and side effects were comparable in all groups. Conclusion: Thus, nalbuphine is a better adjuvant to chloroprocaine than dexmedetomidine when administered intrathecally for daycare surgeries performed under spinal anesthesia.

Oral teratoma in a neonate: A case report of anesthetic challenge.

Congenital teratoma of oral cavity in a neonate is a rare condition associated with compromised airway and challenges anesthesiologist in airway management. In this report, we describe a scenario of neonate with multiple oral teratoma, cleft palate, and bifid tongue who presented with respiratory distress for surgical excision of mass. The compromised airway can be successfully managed by appropriate prior planning and effective communication between anesthesiologist and surgical team.

An iron rod restricting access to airway: an unusual presentation.

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Attenuation of the hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation with fentanyl, lignocaine nebulization, and a combination of both: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The present study was undertaken to compare and evaluate the efficacy of intravenous (IV) fentanyl and lignocaine airway nebulization and a combination of both in attenuating the hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-six patients of either sex aged between 18 and 65 years of age, belonging to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) health status Classes I and II, undergoing elective surgery requiring general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into three groups. Group F received IV fentanyl 2 µg/kg, Group L received nebulization with 3 mg/kg of 4% lignocaine, and Group FL received both nebulization with 3 mg/kg of 4% lignocaine and IV fentanyl 2 µg/kg before intubation. Hemodynamic parameters were noted before and immediately after induction, 1 min after intubation, and every minute after intubation for 10 min. RESULTS: Hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation was not completely abolished in any of the groups. Nebulized lignocaine was least effective in attenuating hemodynamic response to intubation, and hemodynamic parameters were significantly high after intubation as compared to other groups. Fentanyl alone or in combination with nebulized lignocaine was most effective, and Group F and Group FL were comparable. The maximum increase in mean blood pressure after intubation from baseline in Groups F, L, and FL was 7.4%, 14.6%, and 5.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In our study, IV fentanyl 2 µg/kg administered 5 min before induction was found to be the most effective in attenuating the hemodynamic response. There was no advantage to the use of nebulized lignocaine in attenuating the hemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation.