Awake hand surgery under ultrasound-guided infraclavicular block is possible for cooperative children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Anesthesiology
• Regional Anesthesia
• Ultrasound Guidance

Background:

• Brachial plexus anesthesia is increasingly used for pediatric upper limb surgery.
• Current practice often involves deep sedation or general anesthesia.
• Regional blocks offer an alternative for cooperative children.

Observation:

• This case series evaluated Ultrasound (US)-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus blocks (ICB) in 5 children.
• The blocks were performed for hand or forearm surgery.
• Patients remained awake during the procedures.

Findings:

• Surgical anesthesia was successfully achieved in all 5 pediatric patients.
• All surgeries were completed uneventfully using the US-guided ICB technique.
• No deep sedation or general anesthesia was required.

Implications:

• Ultrasound-guided ICB can provide effective anesthesia for pediatric upper limb surgery in awake, cooperative children.
• This technique avoids the risks associated with deep sedation or general anesthesia.
• It presents a viable alternative for specific pediatric surgical cases, enhancing patient safety and comfort.