Abstract

Objectives: To determine the incidence of complications occurring during Supraclavicular
block of brachial plexus in our hospital.
Materials and Methods: In this prospective, clinical trial, three-hundred twenty patients (228
males and 92 females) 17-70 years of age (average 38 years) underwent supraclavicular block
for upper extremity surgery, from October 2003 to October 2005 in Shohada hospital, Tabriz
Iran. The supraclavicular block was performed by combination of classic and perivascular
techniques. All patients received 40 mL of 1% lidocaine (400 mg). Probable complications were
surveyed by a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: Complications occurred in 45.3% of patients. The most common complications was
Horner’s syndrome (34%), hematoma (8.8%) and vascular injuries (2.5%). The rate of
hematoma formation was directly related to the number of needle punctures (P = 0/000) and it
was fourteen times more common in multiple puncture than in single puncture.
Conclusion: Combining classic and perivascular techniques was more efficient and the rate of
failure and complications were fewer. With attention to the entrance point and avoidance of
excessive needle advancement after the beginning of paresthesia and slow injection of drug,
the rate of failure and complication can be reduced. (Rawal Med J 2007;32:60-62)

Key words: Supraclavicular Block, Brachial plexus, Complications, Nerve Block.