Hemidiaphragmatic paralysis: A case report

Abstract

Hemidiaphragmatic paralysis is initially recognised as postoperative respiratory distress. The subsequent sequential management of the patient following arthroscopic shoulder surgery under interscalene block is described. Ultrasound-guided technique is considered to be the safest for interscalene block. Reducing the volume of anaesthetic used reduces its spread to the phrenic nerve and thus reduces the incidence of hemidiaphragmatic paralysis. Furthermore, a reduction in anaesthetic volume has equivalent analgesic efficacy.

Keywords: Hemidiaphragmatic paralysis; Interscalene block; Postoperative respiratory distress.