Published online Jun 6, 2020. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i11.2137
Peer-review started: March 29, 2020
First decision: April 22, 2020
Revised: May 11, 2020
Accepted: May 13, 2020
Article in press: May 13, 2020
Published online: June 6, 2020
Processing time: 70 Days and 22.7 Hours
Hand surgery procedures are complex and challenging for they may involve many nerves. To modify the anesthesia efficacy, ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia is always applied in the surgery in this population. The published outcome data on usage of ultrasound-guided selective proximal and distal brachial plexus block in patients undergoing surgery for hand trauma is limited.
What benefits does ultrasound-guided selective proximal and distal brachial plexus block have in rapid recovery surgery for hand trauma? Does it really improve the anesthesia efficacy as well as reduce the potential side effects and complications? With these questions, a case-controlled study was conducted.
In this study, the authors aimed to explore the efficacy of ultrasound-guided selective proximal and distal brachial plexus block in rapid recovery surgery for hand trauma.
Patients with traumatic hand injuries who required surgery were included. They were assigned to an ultrasound-guided selective proximal and distal brachial plexus block group and a conventional brachial plexus block group. The anesthesia efficacy, pain, and outcomes were compared.
Patients with ultrasound-guided selective proximal and distal brachial plexus block showed better analgesic efficacy than the control group. Moreover, the incidence of complications, wound healing time, and length of hospital stay were lower in the observation group than in the control group.
Ultrasound-guided selective proximal and distal brachial plexus block used in this study confirmed the quality and safety of anesthesia and reduced the risk of incomplete anesthesia and pain in patients undergoing surgery for hand trauma.
To achieve safe anesthesia, patients should be closely monitored and observed when ultrasound-guided selective proximal and distal brachial plexus block was performed. Associated guidelines and expert consensus should be developed based on the clinical experience to avoid the negative side effects of this form of local anesthesia.