EVALUATION OF THE SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF SUPRACLAVICULAR BLOCK COMBINED WITH SUPERFICIAL CERVICAL BLOCK FOR SHOULDER SURGERY

Objective: Regional anaesthesia techniques, such as supraclavicular block combined with superficial cervical block, have gained popularity for shoulder surgeries due to their efficacy and safety profile. This study evaluates the onset, duration, and complications associated with this anaesthesia technique in patients undergoing upper arm surgery. Methods: A descriptive observational study was conducted on 150 patients aged 15-65 y, classified as ASA grade I and II, undergoing upper arm surgery at S. M. S. Medical College and attached group of Hospitals, Jaipur, between January 1, 2019, and June 30, 2019. Patients with diabetes mellitus, neurological deficits, coagulopathy, or those who refused participation were excluded. Anesthetic block characteristics were recorded, and patients were monitored for any complications. Results: The mean onset time for sensory block was 7.64±1.34 min, and for motor block, it was 10.93±2.08 min. The duration of analgesia averaged 996.53±129.23 min, while the motor block lasted for 850.41±52.94 min. Out of 150 patients, 91 were ASA grade III, and 59 were ASA grade IV. No clinical complications such as nausea, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, local anesthetic systemic toxicity, clinical pneumothorax, or Horner's syndrome were observed. Conclusion: The combination of supraclavicular block and superficial cervical block is a safe and effective anaesthesia technique for shoulder surgeries, offering rapid onset and prolonged analgesia with minimal complications.