title: Prolonged dysphonia as a complication of interscalene block.
abstract: The interscalene block (ISB) of the brachial plexus is a common technique for anaesthesia and the treatment of postoperative pain in shoulder surgery. Despite the well-known advantages of this technique, it is not without risks that need to be identified and taken into account. The most frequent complications associated with it are of a neurological nature and most are transient. It has been shown that the use of nerve stimulation does not guarantee a safe block. Ultrasound guidance now makes it possible to visualise potentially dangerous structures, thus allowing us to reduce the risk of associated complications. We present the case of a patient with transient dysphonia secondary to recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. We also discuss briefly the most common complications associated with the technique.
authors: Department of Anaesthesia and Reanimation, Hospital del Mar, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain. Electronic address: 98355@parcdesalutmar.cat.
authors: Tania
authors: T
authors: Villar
authors: Department of Anaesthesia and Reanimation, Hospital del Mar, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Susana
authors: S
authors: Pacreu
authors: Department of Anaesthesia and Reanimation, Hospital del Mar, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Maite
authors: M
authors: Zalbidea
authors: Department of Anaesthesia and Reanimation, Hospital del Mar, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain.
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: Montes
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001917:Brachial Plexus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D065527:Brachial Plexus Block / Q000009:adverse effects*; D055154:Dysphonia / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D061224:Laryngeal Nerve Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D012782:Shoulder / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional
keywords: Complications; Dysphonia; Interscalene block; Recurrent laryngeal nerve; Regional anaesthesia; Shoulder surgery