Brachial Plexus Blockage versus General Anesthesia for Upper Extremity Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

This meta-analysis investigated differences in rebound pain and opioid consumption when using brachial plexus blockade (BPB) versus general anesthesia (GA) for upper limb surgery.

Methods

Four databases were searched. Odds ratios (OR), mean differences (MD), and standard mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Outcomes included were pain, opioid consumption, adverse events, and discharge time. The risk of bias was assessed.

Results

Nine clinical trials involving 487 patients were included. BPB resulted in significantly lower pain scores within 2 h postoperatively (MD -4.57, 95% CI -5.76 to 3.38; participants = 263; studies = 5; I2 = 0%; p < 0.00001) but not from 6 to 24 h. Opioid consumption (mg) was lower in the BPB gr

SUBMITTER: Llombart-Blanco R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12845516 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature