COMPARISON BETWEEN CONVENTIONAL TECHNIQUE AND ULTRASOUND GUIDED SUPRACLAVICULAR BRACHIAL PLEXUS BLOCK IN UPPER LIMB SURGERIES

BACKGROUND: Brachial plexus block is commonly employed for upper limb surgeries. The classical approach using paraesthesia technique is a blind technique and associated with higher failure rate and injury to the nerves and surrounding structures, especially vascular structures, nerves, and pleura. Ultrasound for supraclavicular brachial plexus block has improved the success rate of block with excellent localization as well as improved safety rates and also brought down the complication rates. OBJECTIVES: Of this study were to compare the effects of supraclavicular brachial plexus using conventional technique and ultrasound technique in terms of time taken for the procedure, Onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade, Success rate and complication rate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective, randomized control study 60 patients between 1850 years, either sex, belonging to ASA grade I & II undergoing elective upper limb surgeries were divided into 2 groups of 30 patients each. Group C (conventional technique), Group US (Ultrasound technique). Each patient received 25 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine, 5 ml distilled water, 0.25ml sodium bicarbonate. RESULTS: Success rate was higher in U. S. Group with longer duration of block than conventional group. Although time taken for procedure was longer in U. S. group, complications were nil. CONCLUSION: US guided supraclavicular block has higher success rate with fewer complications and longer duration of block compared to Conventional technique.