A Retrospective Comparative Study of Nerve-Stimulator Versus Ultrasound-Guided Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block.

BACKGROUND

Regional blocks are the preferred choice in procedures like arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation involving the wrist or cubital fossa in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. We compared ultrasonography versus peripheral nerve stimulator-guided supraclavicular block to identify the non-inferior technique in these patients.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This retrospective cohort analysis included 60 ESRD patients at the largest tertiary medical care centre of its kind in the world. Of these, 30 received the ultrasound-guided supraclavicular block (Group US), while the other 30 received it with the peripheral nerve stimulator technique (Group NS). Statistical analysis was done using GraphPad PRISM 10.0.0 software.

RESULTS

A significant difference was noted in the block execution time, onset and duration of sensory and motor block, and time to achieve a complete block in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound with nerve stimulator appears to be the technique of choice in ESRD patients.