Bilateral Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block for Surgery on Both Upper Extremities in a Patient with Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis : A case report

ABSTRACT

The interscalene approach of the brachial plexus block is a common technique for surgery on the upper extremities as it provides good intraoperative anesthesia and postoperative analgesia. However, bilateral blockade of both brachial plexuses has rarely been performed because it could lead to respiratory insufficiency and local anesthetic toxicity owing to the large amount of drug administered. We report a case of a successful bilateral interscalene brachial plexus block in a patient with unilateral vocal cord paralysis observed after a conventional endotracheal intubation.