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

Assiut University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Regional Anesthesia

Treatments: Procedure: Patients receiving landmark-based brachial plexus blocks; Drug: Bupivacaine; Procedure: Landmark-Based Brachial Plexus Block

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06756347

US-Guided vs Land mark RA

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full 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.

Enrollment: 100 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 65 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Quadruple Blind

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100 participants in 2 patient groups

Ultrasound-Guided Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

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

Treatment:

Drug: Bupivacaine

Procedure: Patients receiving landmark-based brachial plexus blocks

Landmark-Based Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

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

Treatment:

Procedure: Landmark-Based Brachial Plexus Block

Drug: Bupivacaine