D5W) has long been used as an intravenous fluid for hydration and energy supplementation and has recently gained increasing clinical interest in perineural injection therapies and ultrasound-guided hydrodissection. D5W has been shown to improve pain and functional outcomes in entrapment neuropathies by mechanically releasing perineural adhesions and potentially modulating neurogenic inflammation. In contrast, 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) is routinely used as a dilution medium for local anesthetics in peripheral nerve blocks; however, emerging evidence suggests that alternative diluents such as D5W may influence block onset and efficacy.
The infraclavicular block is a commonly used ultrasound-guided technique for brachial plexus anesthesia, providing reliable anesthesia and postoperative analgesia for upper extremity surgery. This study aims to compare the effects of diluting bupivacaine with either D5W or 0.9% NaCl on block success and duration of analgesia in patients undergoing infraclavicular block. Secondary outcomes include block onset characteristics, sensory and motor block profiles, and perioperative analgesic requirements. The findings may help determine whether D5W represents a safe and effective alternative diluent to saline in routine regional anesthesia practice.
Patients who agree to participate in the study and provide written informed consent
Patients scheduled for elective upper extremity surgery for whom infraclavicular block is considered appropriate for anesthetic management
Age between 18 and 65 years
American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III
Patients who decline to participate in the study or refuse to provide informed consent
History of allergy or hypersensitivity to study medications
Body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m²
Body weight less than 40 kg
Burçin Alaçam, MD
Lead sponsor
Sakarya University
Sponsor institution