Interscalene Brachial Plexus Block with Liposomal Bupivacaine versus Standard Bupivacaine with Perineural Dexamethasone: A Noninferiority Trial

ConclusionsInterscalene nerve blocks with perineural liposomal bupivacaine provided effective analgesia similar to the perineural standard bupivacaine with dexamethasone. The results show that bupivacaine with dexamethasone can be used interchangeably with liposomal bupivacaine for analgesia after shoulder surgery.Editor ’s PerspectiveWhat We Already Know about This TopicExtending the duration of interscalene nerve block reduces patient discomfort and lowers postoperative opioid consumptionAdjuvants such as dexamethasone and liposomal formulations may prolong anesthetic actionWhat This Article Tells Us That Is NewInterscalene nerve blocks using bupivacaine plus dexamethasone were compared with blocks using liposomal bupivacaine for shoulder surgeryThese alternative blocks provided very similar levels and durations of analgesia, and no differences in opioid consumption were identifiedThe interscalene injection of bupivacaine plus dexamethasone and liposomal bupivacaine provide similar clinical benefits for shoulder surgery
Source: Anesthesiology - Category: Anesthesiology Source Type: research