Anesth Pain Med.  2007 Oct;2(4):270-273.

Bilateral Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block for Surgery on Both Upper Extremities in a Patient with Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis : A case report

• Kim BS
• Kwak HS

Abstract

The interscalene approach of the brachial plexus block is a common technique for surgery on the upper extremities as it provides good intraoperative anesthesia and postoperative analgesia. However, bilateral blockade of both brachial plexuses has rarely been performed because it could lead to respiratory insufficiency and local anesthetic toxicity owing to the large amount of drug administered. We report a case of a successful bilateral interscalene brachial plexus block in a patient with unilateral vocal cord paralysis observed after a conventional endotracheal intubation.

Keyword

anesthetic technique; interscalene brachial plexus block; regional anesthesia; vocal cord paralysis

MeSH Terms

Analgesia
Anesthesia
Anesthesia, Conduction
Brachial Plexus*
Humans
Intubation, Intratracheal
Respiratory Insufficiency
Upper Extremity*
Vocal Cord Paralysis*