Key result
Ultrasound-guided brachial plexus blocks achieve 92% patient preference over general anesthesia in upper limb surgery.
Why the study?
The management of postoperative pain in patients undergoing hand surgery is varied, with no clear consensus on the gold standard pain relief regimen.
Does ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block improve patient satisfaction and reduce opiate prescribing in patients undergoing upper limb surgery?
Population
1453 patients undergoing emergency and elective upper limb surgery
Comparison
Ultrasound-guided brachial plexus blocks with simple analgesics vs general anesthesia
Design
Letter reporting service evaluation with patient satisfaction survey
Authors
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Supports patient preference for regional techniques; hypothesis-generating and should not yet change practice without RCTs.
Does ultrasound-guided brachial plexus block improve patient satisfaction and reduce opiate prescribing in patients undergoing upper limb surgery?
Ultrasound-guided brachial plexus blocks for upper limb surgery are associated with high patient satisfaction and may reduce the need for postoperative opioid prescribing.
Katechia et al. (2016) conducted a letter in Upper limb surgery (n=1,453). Ultrasound-guided brachial plexus blocks vs. General anesthesia was evaluated on Patient satisfaction rating of excellent. In a service evaluation of 1,453 patients undergoing upper limb surgery, 87% rated ultrasound-guided brachial plexus blocks as excellent, and 92% preferred it over general anesthesia.
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