Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block as Opioid Sparing Technique in Pediatrics Undergoing Arteriovenous Fistula Creation

Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block as Opioid Sparing Technique in Pediatrics Undergoing Arteriovenous Fistula Creation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of supraclavicular brachial plexus block as an opioid-sparing technique in pediatric patients undergoing arteriovenous fistula creation.

The global incidence of end-stage renal failure (ESRF) is increasing. The preferred procedure for patients with ESRF undergoing maintenance Haemodialysis (HD) is the placement of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF).

In patients with ESRF, brachial plexus block (BPB) is frequently employed to administer anesthesia for the establishment or modification of AVF. This technique offers pain relief, sympathetic blockade, ideal surgical conditions, and a sufficient duration of postoperative block, preventing arterial spasms and graft thrombosis

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age from 6 to 18 years.
• Both sexes.
• American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status I- III.
• Undergoing arteriovenous fistula creation under general anesthesia.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Allergy to local anesthetics.
• Infection at the site of block.
• Local infection.
• Coagulation disorder.
• Previously failed or revision of blocked arteriovenous fistula.