Comparison of an Interscalene Nerve Block With or Without Stellate Ganglion Block for Shoulder Surgery

Comparison of the Analgesic Effect of Levobupivacaine 0.5% Via Interscalene Nerve Block or Via Interscalene Nerve Block Combined With a Stellate Ganglion Block in Patients Undergoing Shoulder Arthroscopy With General Anaesthesia

This study describes the difference of analgesic effect of levobupivacaine 0.5% administered through an interscalene nerve block with or without a stellate ganglion block. The length of the analgesic effect is our primary outcome parameter. Half of the recruited patients will receive a stellate ganglion block and half of the patients won't.

Inclusion Criteria:

• ASA class 1 to 3
• Need for shoulder surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Mental retardation
• allergy for local anesthetics
• a medical reason as a contra-indication for NSAID use
• Diabetes mellitus
• peripheral neuropathy
• chronic analgetic use
• chronic pain patients