Novel technique for reversing phrenic nerve paresis secondary to interscalene brachial plexus block. (4th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fleming, Ian O; Boddu, Krishna
• Is Part Of: Southern African journal of anaesthesia and analgesia. Volume 24:Number 3(2018)
• Page Start: 81
• Page End: 84
• Publication Date: 2018-05-04
• Subjects: brachial plexus block -- diaphragm -- local anaesthetics -- phrenic nerve; Anaesthesia -- Periodicals; Analgesia -- Periodicals; 617.96
• DOI: 10.1080/22201181.2018.1461318
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2220-1181

Abstract

Abstract : Interscalene brachial plexus block is the reference analgesic technique for shoulder surgery. Phrenic nerve palsy with hemidiaphragmatic paresis is an established complication that results in symptomatic dyspnoea in a small number of subjects, and is poorly tolerated. Established management is supportive and assumes that, once administered, the duration of the block is unalterable. A case is presented of saline washout as a rescue measure for severe dyspnoea due to phrenic nerve palsy following interscalene brachial plexus block. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of this method used to reverse a single-injection brachial plexus block.