Analysis of Dexmedetomidine added to Ropivacaine in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus block

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effect of Dexmedetomidine added to Ropivacaine in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus block. Material and Methods: This study was performed in the Department of Anaesthesia, Mahatma Gandhi Missions Institute of Health Sciences, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra after approval by the Institute Ethics Committee. After getting written informed consent from patients, this study was carried out as a controlled, randomized (chit method), double blind, prospective study in 60 patients. Sensory and motor blockade of radial, median, musculocutaneous and ulnar nerves were recorded at regular intervals (at each min till complete blockade) after drug injection. Following observations were noted intra and post operatively. The duration of analgesia or first request for analgesic defined as the time to attain a Visual Analogue Score (VAS) of 4 or >4 after Ropivacaine administration. The VAS was recorded post-operatively every 30min till the score of 4 or >4. Results: Duration of sensory block was significantly longer in group RD as compared to group R (p < 0.001). It was found that duration of motor block increased more with Dexmedetomidine addition (407.33±53.09 min) than with Ropivacaine alone (278.66±44.77 min). There was significant increase in duration of analgesia in group RD (685.33±90.02 min) than with group R (344.00±52.06 min). In RD group 2 patients developed haematoma and only 1 patient develop blood in aspiration due to arterial puncture, and in R group 1 patient develop haematoma and 2 patients developed blood in aspiration. Conclusion: We conclude that Dexmedetomidine is a good adjuvant in supraclavicular brachial plexus block for upper limb surgeries.