Comparing supraclavicular and axillary approaches for ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block for upper extremity surgeries

Abstract

The study focusses on ultrasound guided Brachial Plexus Block (BPB) which are routinely administered for upper extremity surgeries. The brachial plexus can be blocked by several techniques but the most commonly used are the Supraclavicular (SCB) and Axillary (AXB) blocks. Aims and objectives: The aim of this randomized study was to compare the ultrasound guided supraclavicular block and axillary block for upper extremity surgeries.To assess the effectiveness of the upper limb block based on: 1. Block performance time 2. Onset of action (sensory & motor) Methods: After approval of the ethical committee and obtaining a written informed consent from patients, this prospective, randomized study was conducted on patients undergoing elective upper extremity surgeries. 50 patients were allocated randomly into two equal groups. Under ultrasound guidance, the SCB and AXB were performed for the two groups, respectively. The block performance time, sensory & motor onset time were noted. Results: Longer block performance time in the AXB group as compared to SCB and similar onset of block were noted with both the groups. Conclusion: Both blocks are equally effective in providing surgical anaesthesia, with the AXB requiring a longer performance time when compared to SCB.