Comparative Analysis of Ultrasound-Guided Versus Landmark-Based Techniques for Regional Anesthesia in Egyptian Patients

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Regional Anesthesia
• Interventions: Procedure: Patients receiving landmark-based brachial plexus blocks; Procedure: Landmark-Based Brachial Plexus Block; Drug: Bupivacaine

• Registration Number: NCT06756347
• Lead Sponsor: Assiut University

Brief Summary

Regional anesthesia is a cornerstone in modern surgical practices due to its ability to provide effective pain management and reduce reliance on general anesthesia. Traditional landmark-based techniques, widely used due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness, rely on surface anatomy and palpation to guide needle placement. However, these techniques are associated with a higher risk of complications, including failed blocks and nerve injuries.

Ultrasound-guided techniques have emerged as a safer, more precise alternative, offering real-time visualization of anatomical structures. Studies suggest that ultrasound guidance improves the success rate, reduces procedural time, and minimizes complications. Despite global advancements in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia, limited research addresses its efficacy and safety specifically in Egyptian patients, whose unique anatomical and physiological characteristics may influence outcomes.

This study seeks to fill this knowledge gap and provide evidence-based guidance tailored to this population, focusing on brachial plexus blocks.

Detailed Description

Regional anesthesia is a cornerstone in modern surgical practices due to its ability to provide effective pain management and reduce reliance on general anesthesia. Traditional landmark-based techniques, widely used due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness, rely on surface anatomy and palpation to guide needle placement. However, these techniques are associated with a higher risk of complications, including failed blocks and nerve injuries.

Ultrasound-guided techniques have emerged as a safer, more precise alternative, offering real-time visualization of anatomical structures. Studies suggest that ultrasound guidance improves the success rate, reduces procedural time, and minimizes complications. Despite global advancements in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia, limited research addresses its efficacy and safety specifically in Egyptian patients, whose unique anatomical and physiological characteristics may influence outcomes.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2024-12-24
• Status Verified: 2025-01
• Study Start: 2025-01-01
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-01-02
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-01-02
• Study First Posted: 2025-01-03
• Last Update Posted: 2025-01-03
• Primary Completion: 2026-01-01
• Study Completion: 2026-03-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 100

Inclusion Criteria

• ● Adult patients aged 18-65 years undergoing upper limb surgery requiring brachial plexus block.

  • Patients capable of providing informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

• ● Patients with contraindications to regional anesthesia (e.g., infection at the site, severe coagulopathy).

  • History of severe allergic reactions to local anesthetics.
  • Anatomical abnormalities affecting the brachial plexus block.
  • Obesity (BMI > 35) or other conditions that might confound results.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Ultrasound-Guided Group	Patients receiving landmark-based brachial plexus blocks	Patients receiving ultrasound-guided brachial plexus blocks .o Procedure performed using a high-frequency linear ultrasound probe.Real-time visualization of the brachial plexus for precise anesthetic delivery
Ultrasound-Guided Group	Bupivacaine	Patients receiving ultrasound-guided brachial plexus blocks .o Procedure performed using a high-frequency linear ultrasound probe.Real-time visualization of the brachial plexus for precise anesthetic delivery
Landmark-Based Group	Landmark-Based Brachial Plexus Block	Patients receiving landmark-based brachial plexus blocks.o Procedure performed based on anatomical landmarks and palpation, without imaging assistance
Landmark-Based Group	Bupivacaine	Patients receiving landmark-based brachial plexus blocks.o Procedure performed based on anatomical landmarks and palpation, without imaging assistance

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Success Rate	30 minutes	Proportion of patients achieving adequate anesthesia (complete sensory block) within 30 minutes of administration.