IS THERE BENEFIT FROM BRACHIAL PLEXUS REGIONAL ANESTHESIA OVER GENERAL ENDOTRACHEAL ANESTHESIA FOR PEDIATRIC PATIENTS?

Abstract

Background: Improvements in ultrasonography technology have had an impact on how regional anesthesia is used in pediatric practice. Ultrasound-guided approaches increase the efficacy of blocks, and they may lower the risk of complications associated with needle insertion or the amount of local anesthetic. Aim: In this evaluation, we wanted to compare the advantages, risks, benefits, and complications of brachial plexus blockade over general endotracheal anesthesia in the pediatric population. Methods: All pediatric patients who underwent upper limb surgery between July and December 2022 were included in the analysis. The demographics of the patients were compiled. The type of anesthesia technique utilized, the procedural anesthesia time chosen by the attending anesthesiologist, the recovery period, the duration of analgesia, the time until hospital discharge, and reported complications, if any, were evaluated as well. Results: Sixty-seven pediatric patients underwent regional anesthesia with brachial plexus ultrasound guidance. A supraclavicular brachial plexus block required 45 minutes. A regional anesthetic for the brachial plexus reduced the amount of time needed for recovery. The brachial plexus regional anesthesia provided analgesia for 14±8 hours. The plexus block failure rate was 6.3%, and no complications were observed. Two patients were released from hospital the same day. Conclusion: The development of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia increased safety, shortened the duration of the procedure, and enhanced the upper limb block strategy. The use of brachial plexus regional anesthesia reduces the complication rate compared to general anesthesia and improves the recovery time for patients undergoing surgery on the upper limb. Those children can have one-day surgery.