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Abstract
Background and Aims Routine use of Ultrasound (US) in peripheral nerve block (PNB) has increased. Currently no International Guidelines are available of infection control measures (1). Localized inflammation is infrequent (0–13.7%), and local infection (0–3.2%), abscess formation (0–0.9%) more rarely.(2) Following the infection control guidelines and practicing strict aseptic measures result in an extremely low rate of infection following US-guided single-injection PNB. (3)
Methods Following ethical approval from audit committee at department of anesthesiology-HGH, retrospective data of patients who received single shot PNB in the block room was collected over a period of 6months from 1st April 2021 to 30th September 2021. Each patient was followed in person at 24 hours and through the electronic patient’s record up to 6 weeks post US guided PNB.The indication of infection was defined as occurrence of: purulent discharge, localized swelling, redness or warmth, pain or tenderness at the site of injection, or a diagnosis of infection by the surgeon or physician during this 6-week period.
Results Total of 271 patients of which 69% are male and 31% female. Demographics are in image 1, the types of blocks performed are in Image 2. We identified 1 case of block-related redness at 24 hours and it was clear at 48 hours. Antibiotics prophylaxis in 98.2%, Cap, Mask, Sterile gloves, Sterile US prob cover and disinfectant in all patients and sterile draping in 60.5%.
Conclusions We conclude that the incidence of infection following US guided PNBs are extremely low if we follow strict aseptic measures as per the guidelines.