[Complications and risks of brachial plexus anaesthesia with special reference to long-term damage (author's transl)]

During 1974-1978 620 regional anaesthesias involving the brachial plexus were performed. Three techniques, viz: supraclavicular, axillary, interscalene were employed. The data are analysed with a view to comparing the efficacy and safety of the techniques with a special reference to long-term damage. Transient injury to the brachial plexus was observed in 3 of 342 patients who had Kulenkampff's supraclavicular plexus anaesthesia. After 3 months all after-effects had disappeared. Plexus block via the axillary route proved to be the safest technique. Detailed inquiries and follow-up examinations established that none of the techniques had caused irreversible damage to the brachial plexus.