Analgesic Effect Of Paracetamol As An Adjuvant To Lidocaine For Intravenous Regional Anaesthesia: A Prospective Randomized Study

Abstract

Background: Intravenous Regional Anaesthesia (IVRA) also known as Biers block is a procedure used to provide regional block in both the upper and lower extremities. This study aims to determine the effects of adding paracetamol to lidocaine for intravenous regional anaesthesia (IVRA). Methods: Forty eligible patients undergoing short upper limb surgery received IVRA were assigned to two groups (n = 20 each): Group X: received lidocaine (3 mg/kg) diluted with normal saline and paracetamol 450 mg to a volume of 40 ml. Group Y: received lidocaine (3 mg/kg) diluted with normal saline a to a volume of 40 ml. Variables measured were: sensory onset and recovery time, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores; intraoperative and at 6 hours postoperatively, tourniquet pain and time to first analgesic requirement. Results: Sensory block onset time among group X was significantly shorter than group Y p= statistically significant. Durations of Sensory block in group X was also significantly longer than group Y p= statistically significant. Twenty minute intraoperatively till 60 minutes, VAS was significantly higher in group Y which required majority 68.4% to receive a single dose of intraoperative fentanyl analgesia compared to 27.6% among Group X. Postoperative VAS was lower among Group X from 2nd -5th hours compared to group Y, p= statistically significant. Similarly, time to first postoperative analgesic requirement was significantly longer in Group X p= statistically significant than group Y. Conclusion: Addition of paracetamol to Lidocaine for IVRA improves quality of analgesia and reduce intra and postoperative analgesic requirement.