Summary
Low-volume ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block (ISBPB) is an effective technique for shoulder surgery that is associated with fewer respiratory and other complications than standard-volume ISBPB. Researchers compared the use of low-volume and standard-volume ISBPB, both guided by ultrasound, in patients undergoing shoulder surgery.
They found that the incidence of phrenic nerve palsy was significantly lower in the low-volume group (45%) than in the standard-volume group (100%). Additionally, the reduction in forced expiratory volume in 1 s, forced vital capacity, and peak expiratory flow at 30 minutes after the block was also significantly less in the low-volume group.
There were no significant differences in pain scores, sleep quality, and total morphine consumption up to 24 hours after surgery. The authors conclude that low-volume ISBPB is an effective and safe technique for shoulder surgery that is associated with fewer complications than standard-volume ISBPB. This technique may be particularly beneficial for patients with limited pulmonary reserve.
