ULTRASOUND-GUIDED REGIONAL ANESTHESIA FOR UPPER LIMB: TIPS, ALERTS, AND TRICKS

Anesthesia options for upper extremity surgery include general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, or a combination of the two. Brachial plexus blockade has several advantages including decreased hemodynamic instability, avoidance of airway instrumentation, and intra-, as well as postoperative analgesia. Nerve stimulation and ultrasound have been introduced to the practice of regional anesthesia mostly in the last two decades. When ultrasound (US) is used in peripheral nerve blocks, successful nerve blocks can be performed even if nerve stimulation is not possible. Ultrasound is now available in most academic centers practicing regional anesthesia and is a popular tool amongst trainees for performance of nerve blocks. This article aims at collecting and summarizing the most beneficial remarks that might help getting the most out of this promising technique.