Transient brachial plexus palsy: an unusual complication of paravertebral infusion of local anesthetic.
A continuous infusion of 0.25% bupivaciane into the parevertebral space was used for postoperative pain relief after a lung resection. On postoperative day 1, a brachial plexus palsy developed, which resolved on discontinuation of the infusion. We believe this rare complication has not been reported previously. Awareness of this possibility may avoid unnecessary investigations.
Department of General Surgery, Hospital of Saint Raphael, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
Desmond
D
D'Souza
Kylee
K
Sondergaard
Frank C
FC
Detterbeck
D000368:Aged; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020516:Brachial Plexus Neuropathies / Q000139:chemically induced*; D002045:Bupivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006732:Horner Syndrome / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D002045:Bupivacaine