Interscalene nerve block versus combined block
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Interscalene nerve block versus combined suprascapular nerve and axillary nerve block: Effect on respiratory function in patients undergoing shoulder surgery
IRAS ID
246825
Contact name
Mario Shekar
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 1 days
Research summary
Local anaesthetic nerve blocks are used in shoulder surgery to provide pain relief for patients. These can be done in various ways with inter-scalene blocks and combined suprascapular and axillary nerve blocks both being established methods. Previous research has established they have similar pain relieving properties. Interscalene blocks also temporarily affect the nerve to the diaphragm, slightly affecting breathing. The combined block does not and therefore should not affect breathing but this has not been studied. The aim of this study is to measure breathing performance and compare how it changes with each block. This can be done with simple, non-invasive, bed side tests. The testing have no side effects. \nInterscalene blocks are by far the most common block used, but if we demonstrate the combined block has a less detrimental effect on breathing we could advocate that this block is used in shoulder surgery patients with chronic respiratory diseases to reduce the risk of post-operative respiratory problems.
REC name
London - Brent Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/1266
Date of REC Opinion
30 Jul 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion