Injection Optimization of Infraclavicular and Axillary Brachial Plexus Block

Overview

In upper extremity surgery, brachial plexus block (BPB) is routinely applied successfully as general anesthesia (GA). However, BPB is less invasive technique than GA. Peripheral nerve blocks have some potential benefits, such as lower risk of nausea and vomiting, early ambulation, early discharge, and better control of postoperative pain. The BPB is applied to various areas such as axillary, supraclavicular, infraclavicular and interscalene areas under the guidance of ultrasound and nerve stimulator. Among these methods, BPB administration success rates are around 95-100%. The other condition is anesthetic time which is important for the turnover of operating room. Anesthetic time is the sum of the performance time and onset time. In addition performance time and number of needle attempts also associated with patient satisfaction. The primary aim of this study is to determine the number of attempts and the performance time with the onset time and anesthetic time. If the procedure is simple, the performance time may be shorter. Therefore, the investigators aim that comparison of two different procedures which are single injection infraclavicular brachial plexus block and multiple injection axillary brachial plexus block by ultrasound guidance. In addition, the investigators will examine the duration of anesthesia and surgery, the duration of sensory and motor block endings, patient comfort and pain scales in the postoperative period.

60 participants who underwent forearm or hand surgery with the axillary or infraclavicular brachial plexus block method and who have an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification (ASA) score of I-II-III between the ages of 18-75 will be followed up. Number of needle attempts, block performance time, sensorial and motor block onset time, total anesthetic time, surgical duration, duration of sensory block formation, and duration of motor block formation will be evaluated with the information obtained from participants with axillary block or infraclavicular block. After surgery, participants satisfaction, visual analogue scales (VAS), sensory block ending times, motor block ending times and first analgesic requirement time will be assessed at postoperative 2. -8. -12. -24. hours by physical examination and questions. As a result of these evaluations, both groups will be compared statistically. (After the patients are informed in detail, the volunteer certificate will be obtained from the patients who agree to participate in the study.)