Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness, side effects and complications of supraclavicular brachial plexus block with a nerve stimulator for forearm surgery.
Materials and Method: In a prospective descriptive study, forty patients received supraclavicular brachial plexus block for forearm surgery. The dose was 7 mg/kg of 1% lidocaine mixed with adrenaline 1:200000. Success of technique, procedure time, onset time, duration of action, minimum current, side effects and complication were recorded.
Results: The success rate was 85% (including 17.5% of patients needed small amount of fentanyl or/and local anesthetic), failure rate was 15%. The procedure time 7.70 ± 5.75 min, onset time 7.62 ± 5.09 min, duration time 172.94 ± 74.85 min. The minimal stimulating current of the nerve location was 0.54 0.12 mA. There were 2.5% with hoarseness of voice and 7.5% with blood vessel puncture.
Conclusion: Supraclavicular brachial plexus block with a nerve stimulator for forearm surgery was an effective anesthetic technique with a low rate of side effects and complications.
Key words: supraclavicular brachial plexus block, nerve stimulator