Regional Anesthesia
Conditions
Brief summary
Regional anesthesia is a cornerstone in modern surgical practices due to its ability to provide effective pain management and reduce reliance on general anesthesia. Traditional landmark-based techniques, widely used due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness, rely on surface anatomy and palpation to guide needle placement. However, these techniques are associated with a higher risk of complications, including failed blocks and nerve injuries. Ultrasound-guided techniques have emerged as a safer, more precise alternative, offering real-time visualization of anatomical structures. Studies suggest that ultrasound guidance improves the success rate, reduces procedural time, and minimizes complications. Despite global advancements in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia, limited research addresses its efficacy and safety specifically in Egyptian patients, whose unique anatomical and physiological characteristics may influence outcomes. This study seeks to fill this knowledge gap and provide evidence-based guidance tailored to this population, focusing on brachial plexus blocks.
Detailed description
Regional anesthesia is a cornerstone in modern surgical practices due to its ability to provide effective pain management and reduce reliance on general anesthesia. Traditional landmark-based techniques, widely used due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness, rely on surface anatomy and palpation to guide needle placement. However, these techniques are associated with a higher risk of complications, including failed blocks and nerve injuries. Ultrasound-guided techniques have emerged as a safer, more precise alternative, offering real-time visualization of anatomical structures. Studies suggest that ultrasound guidance improves the success rate, reduces procedural time, and minimizes complications. Despite global advancements in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia, limited research addresses its efficacy and safety specifically in Egyptian patients, whose unique anatomical and physiological characteristics may influence outcomes.
Interventions
PROCEDUREPatients receiving landmark-based brachial plexus blocks
The operator will visualize anatomical structures in real time, identify the brachial plexus (supraclavicular approach), and guide the needle to the injection site under direct ultrasound visualization
PROCEDURELandmark-Based Brachial Plexus Block
The operator will identify anatomical landmarks (e.g., interscalene groove, supraclavicular fossa) using palpation and surface anatomy. The needle will be inserted based on these landmarks, with no direct visualization of internal structures.
DRUGBupivacaine
injected in both group as local anesthetic agent ( at a standardized concentration and volume) to ensure comparability.
Sponsors
Assiut University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* ● Adult patients aged 18-65 years undergoing upper limb surgery requiring brachial plexus block. * Patients capable of providing informed consent
Exclusion criteria
* ● Patients with contraindications to regional anesthesia (e.g., infection at the site, severe coagulopathy). * History of severe allergic reactions to local anesthetics. * Anatomical abnormalities affecting the brachial plexus block. * Obesity (BMI \> 35) or other conditions that might confound results.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Success Rate | 30 minutes | Proportion of patients achieving adequate anesthesia (complete sensory block) within 30 minutes of administration. |
Contacts
Primary ContactTarek Ashraf Ibrahim Abd Al-Hafiz, resident doctor
Outcome results
None listed