
Massive hemothorax: A rare complication after supraclavicular brachial plexus block
Author(s) -
Shiv Kumar Singh,
Surabhi Katyal,
Amit Kumar,
Pawan Kumar
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
al-banǧ. maqālāt wa abḥāṯ fī al-taẖdīr wa-al-in’āš
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0259-1162
DOI - 10.4103/0259-1162.143170
Subject(s) - medicine , hemothorax , brachial plexus , surgery , complication , brachial plexus block , hematoma , anesthesia , pneumothorax
Plexus block is the preferred anesthesia plan for upper limb surgeries. Among the known complications, hematoma formation following the vascular trauma is often occur but this complication is frequently underreported. We present a case where a massive hemothorax developed post operatively in a patient who underwent resection of giant cell tumor of the right hand radius bone followed by arthroplasty under brachial plexus block using supraclavicular approach. This case report attempts to highlight the essence of remaining vigilant postoperatively for first initial days after brachial plexus block, especially after failed or multiple attempts. Ultrasound guided technique in combination with nerve stimulator has proven to be more reliable and safer than traditional techniques.