Patient acceptance of interscalene block for shoulder surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Regional anesthesia can be applied to shoulder surgery with an expected high success rate. To determine the level of patient satisfaction with regional anesthesia, we studied a group of patients who had undergone shoulder surgery more than once, with general anesthesia on one occasion and regional on another.

METHODS

Twenty-five consecutive patients with prior shoulder surgery under general anesthesia (GA) willing to receive interscalene brachial plexus anesthesia (ISB) were identified. On postoperative day one, a questionnaire was administered. Data were evaluated with McNemar's test and chi-square analysis and considered significant at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

There were no differences in sedation or patient preparation between GA and ISB. ISB was tolerable during placement, and no patients complained of being aware or inadequately sedated. With ISB, there was better recovery room pain control, less nausea, and less vomiting. Overall, the patients preferred ISB.

CONCLUSIONS

Interscalene brachial plexus block is well accepted by patients for reconstructive shoulder surgery.