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

Assiut University0 sites100 target enrollmentJanuary 1, 2025

Overview

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.

Registry

clinicaltrials.gov

Start Date

January 1, 2025

End Date

March 1, 2026

Last Updated

last year

Study Type

Interventional

Study Design

Parallel

Sex

All

Investigators

Sponsor

Assiut University

Responsible Party

Principal Investigator

Tarek Ashraf Ibrahim Abd Al-Hafiz

resident doctor at Assiut University hospital

Assiut University

Eligibility Criteria

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.

Arms & Interventions

Ultrasound-Guided Group

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

Intervention: Patients receiving landmark-based brachial plexus blocks

Ultrasound-Guided Group

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

Intervention: Bupivacaine

Landmark-Based Group

Patients receiving landmark-based brachial plexus blocks.o Procedure performed based on anatomical landmarks and palpation, without imaging assistance

Intervention: Landmark-Based Brachial Plexus Block

Landmark-Based Group

Patients receiving landmark-based brachial plexus blocks.o Procedure performed based on anatomical landmarks and palpation, without imaging assistance

Intervention: Bupivacaine