@article{Dr. S. Rama Krishna_2018, title={Ultrasound Versus Nerve Stimulator-guided Technique of supraclavicular nerve block for upper limb surgery: A prospective randomized comparative study}, volume={5}, url={https://apjhs.com/index.php/apjhs/article/view/279}, DOI={10.21276/apjhs.2018.5.3.14}, abstractNote={<p>Background: Peripheral nerve stimulator (PNS) guided and ultrasound (US) guided techniques allows better localization of the nerve/plexus. Ultrasound for supraclavicular brachial plexus block has improved the success rate of the block with excellent localization as well as improved safety margin. Aims and Objectives: To compare peripheral nerve stimulator guided technique and ultrasound guided technique of supraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb surgeries. Materials and Methods: We carried a prospective randomized single blind comparative study in 100 patients requiring upper limb surgeries. Supraclavicular brachial plexus block was given using 0.5% Ropivacaine. The sample were randomly allocated in to two groups of 50 each. Group US patients received supraclavicular brachial plexus block under ultrasound guidance and in Group PNS patients, nerve<br>stimulator guided technique was used. The parameters assessed were procedure time, onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade and complications. Statistical Analysis: Independent t‑ test was used to compare mean between groups; Chi‑ square test for categorical variables. Results: The procedure time was 8.2±1.32 minutes in group PNS and 6.34±1.02 minutes in group US (p˂0.0001). The onset of sensory and motor block was 7.79±1.21 minutes and 9.63±1.41 minutes in group PNS and 6.53±1.13 minutes and 8.01±1.18 minutes respectively in group US (p˂0.0001). The time to achieve complete block was 17.02±1.31 minutes in group PNS and 14.82±1.24 minutes in group US (p˂0.0001). The duration of sensory and motor block was 7 hours 10 minutes and 6 hours 15 minutes for group PNS and 8 hours and 7 hours respectively in group US. The success rate was 90% in group PNS and 96% in Group US. None of the patients in either groups developed any complications. Conclusion: The ultrasound‑ guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block can be done quicker, with a faster onset of sensory and motor block compared to nerve stimulator technique for supraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb surgeries.</p>}, number={3}, journal={Asian Pacific Journal of Health Sciences}, author={Dr. S. Rama Krishna}, year={2018}, month={Sep.}, pages={103–108} }