This prospective double-blinded randomized control trial was performed at Menoufia University Hospital after obtaining approval from its ethics committee (IRB approval number 4/2022 ANET1-1) and was registered at www.pactr.org (PACTR 202203695753410). This trial was conducted in accordance with the Reporting Trials (CONSORT) guideline Consolidated Standards.
The trial included sixty-eight patients of both sexes, aged 18- to 80-year-old, who were scheduled for arthroscopic shoulder surgery and had an I or II physical status according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). Patients who had pre-existing neuropathy in the operated limb, ASA ≥ III, coagulation disorders, local infection at the puncture site, known allergy to local anesthetics, respiratory failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, breastfeeding, pregnancy, a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2, failure to cooperate, and patient refusal were excluded. All eligible patients provided written informed consent.
Eligible patients who satisfied all inclusion criteria and did not satisfy any exclusion criteria were randomized 1:1 using a computerized software program (GraphPad software QuickCalcs, Inc., California, USA) (website: http://www.graphpad.com/quickcalcs/index.cfm). The allocation was concealed from the clinical staff, trial investigators, trial statisticians, and participants. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either US-guided ISB or selective STB. An anesthesiologist who was not involved in the data collection of the trial conducted the entire drug preparation and block administration.
All patients were administered bromazepam (1.5 mg) night prior to surgery and two hours prior to the call to the operative theatre. Upon entering the operating room, standard monitoring was implemented, an 18-gauge cannula was inserted into a lactated ringer infusion, and a peripheral vein was initiated at a rate of 10 ml/kg at room temperature for the first 30 minutes, followed by 7 ml/kg/hr. Before performing the block, the baseline diaphragmatic movement assessment was done using a curvilinear probe and the sensory and motor power of the same operative shoulder were assessed. If there were abnormalities in this examination not related to the pathology of the shoulder, the patient was excluded.
To achieve a Ramsey Sedation Scale score of 2 to 3, all patients were administered intravenous midazolam 2 to 5 mg and fentanyl up to 100 mcg, which were titrated.
Interscalene block:
The same anesthesiologist administered both blocks in accordance with the antisepsis regulations. The patient was positioned in a semi-recumbent position. A linear US transducer (Sonosite, M-Turbo, Washington) was employed to conduct an ISB at a high frequency (13 − 6 MHz). The probe was positioned transversely over the interscalene groove at the level of the C6 transverse process to identify the interscalene muscles and the cervical nerve roots C5 and C6, which are referred to as the spotlight sign. The interscalene groove was reached by introducing a 22-gauge echogenic needle from the lateral to the medial side using the in-plain technique. Subsequently, 15 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine was deposited between C5 and C6.
Selective superior trunk block:
Using the same technique to identify the spotlight sign of the cervical roots and the scalenus muscles, the probe was moved distally to observe the convergence of C5 and C6, which form the superior trunk. A 22-gauge echogenic needle was advanced from the lateral to medial region using the in-plain technique until it reached the lateral border of the superior trunk. Half of the anesthetic solution was administered anteriorly, above the trunk, and the other half was administered posteriorly, below the trunk (a total volume of 15 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine) just prior to the branching of suprascapular nerve.
The performance time (the time from transducer introduction to local anesthetic injection) and the onset of motor and sensory blocks were recorded.
The sensory block was assessed using an 11-point scale (10 representing normal sensation, 0 representing no sensation to cold) 15 to 20 minutes after the nerve block. A score of 0 was considered to indicate a complete sensory block. Additionally, the motor block was assessed utilizing shoulder external rotation (suprascapular nerve) and shoulder abduction (axillary nerve) on a three-point scale. A total score of 2 indicates no block, a score of 1 indicates paresis, which is a reduction in force compared to the contralateral arm, and a score of 0 indicates paralysis, which is the inability to overcome gravity. A score of 0 indicated as a complete motor block. These patients were excluded from the study in the event of a failed or insufficient blockage.
Hemidiaphragmatic movement affection grade was assessed after 30 min of the block by a low-frequency (5 − 2 MHz) curvilinear transducer (Sonosite, M-Turbo, Washington) in the mid-axillary line using the M-mode to calculate diaphragmatic excursion as follows:
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Complete (HDP) = was defined as a reduction in diaphragmatic excursion that exceeded 75% of the baseline or exhibited paradoxical movement.
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Partial = 25 to 75% decrease from baseline.
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Normal (no paralysis) = changes between 0 and 25% from baseline.
Complications (e.g., pneumothorax, hematoma formation, epidural or spinal anesthesia, hoarseness, Horner’s syndrome, respiratory distress, neurological complications, PONV, and hand grip weakness) were assessed.
Propofol (2 mg/kg), fentanyl (2 µg/kg), and atracurium (0.5 mg/kg) were administered to induce anesthesia. Following oral tracheal intubation, anesthesia was sustained using isoflurane (1–2%) on an O2/air mixture (FiO2 = 0.5) and atracurium (0.25 mg/kg). Targeting an ETCO2 of 35–40 mmHg, the lung was mechanically ventilated. To maintain a bispectral index of 40–50, an isoflurane MAC was modified. When the patient´s hemodynamic parameters exceeded the baseline by 20%, 1 µg/kg fentanyl was administered. Glycopyrrolate 0.01 mg intravenously with 0.05 mg/kg neostigmine was administered to alleviate residual neuromuscular blockade following surgery. The postoperative ward was the destination for all patients after they were extubated. Acetaminophen (1 gram) was administered every 8 hours on the first postoperative day.
Intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, time to the first call of analgesia, and intraoperative fentanyl consumption were recorded.