Abstract:
Supraclavicular brachial plexus block is commonly performed for upper limb surgeries. In patients
with compromised respiratory function or in the elderly it may be preferred over general
anaesthesia. Bronchospasm, albeit a rare complication of this procedure, may turn the advantages
of regional anaesthesia in these patients into a disadvantage. Bronchospasm following interscalene
approach has been previously reported. However, the same following the supraclavicular approach
has not yet been reported. A 70-year-old woman presented with cellulitis of the left upper limb.
A successful left brachial plexus block was performed uneventfully via the supraclavicular approach
for an emergency debridement. She developed bronchospasm in the post-operative care unit
(1 hour after the performance of the block) which responded to the standard treatment and rest
of her hospital stay was uneventful. Awareness of possibility of this less known complication is
necessary, especially in patients of compromised respiratory function to initiate prompt treatment
and avoid further complications.
