An unusual complication of brachial plexus block and heparin therapy

Massive hemothorax: A rare complication after supraclavicular brachial plexus block

Plexus block is the preferred anesthesia plan for upper limb surgeries. Among the known complications, hematoma formation following the vascular trauma is often occur but this complication is frequently underreported. We present a case where a massive hemothorax developed post operatively in a patient who underwent resection of giant cell tumor of the right hand radius bone followed by arthroplasty under brachial plexus block using supraclavicular approach. This case report attempts to highlight the essence of remaining vigilant postoperatively for first initial days after brachial plexus block, especially after failed or multiple attempts. Ultrasound guided technique in combination with nerve stimulator has proven to be more reliable and safer than traditional techniques.

Continuous brachial plexus block for replantation in the upper extremity

For replantation surgery, continuous brachial plexus block was employed using supraclavicular or axillary approach. Of a total of fifty blocks, forty-seven (94%) gave adequate surgical analgesia throughout the operations. No serious complication appeared in this series. Pneumothorax was detected in one supraclavicular block, but no surgical drainage was required. One patient had paraesthesia in the blocked arm, but it subsided within a month. No toxic reaction was recognised in spite of high dose of anaesthetic agents. Thus continuous brachial plexus block has been ascertained to be safe, reliable, and useful for the replantation and other prolonged operations in the upper extremity.