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Interscalene Block
 An Interscalene block (ISB) is a
nerve block in the neck used to either:
- Provides a heavy numbness in the shoulder and arm (in the same way that a
dentist can numb a tooth) so that shoulder surgery can be carried out under mild
sedation
- To provide excellent pain relief for shoulder surgery carried out under general
anaesthesia.
The benefits of an interscalene nerve block (ISB) for shoulder surgery are: - Reduced risk of nausea and vomiting and sedation
- Earlier to leave hospital
- Early intake of food and drink
- Excellent pain control
- Lighter general anaesthetic with speedier recovery from the anaesthetic
- Less chance of an overnight stay at the hospital
HOW IS IT DONE? A special needle with a small electric pulse is used to locate the correct nerves. To judge the position of the injection, the anaesthetist looks for muscle twitches in the arm. This is a peculiar sensation but it is completely safe. When the Anaesthetist is happy with the position of the needle, he or she injects some local anaesthetic. The anaesthetist will ensure the arm and shoulder have become heavy and numb. SIDE EFFECTS OF ISB: Are related to the local anaesthetic numbing the nerves adjacent to the ones that supply the shoulder and arm. Any of the following can occur, but all resolve as the effects of the anaesthetic wear off - Shortness of breath, Difficulty swallowing water.
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