Effect of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to 0.75% ropivacaine in axillary brachial plexus block for forearm and hand surgeries

Abstract

Objective : In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of adding dexmedetomidine to 0.75% Ropivacaine for an axillary brachial plexus block with respect to onset and duration of sensory and motor block and duration of analgesia. Methods : 60 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I/II scheduled to undergo forearm and hand surgery, in which an axillary block was used, were randomly divided into 2(30 each) groups: Group R patients - 25 ml Ropivacaine 0.75% plus 1 ml of normal saline. Group D patients -25 ml Ropivacaine 0.75% and 1 mL dexmedetomidine (50 μg). Demographic data, mean arterial pressure, heart rate , peripheral oxygen saturation, sensory and motor block onset times and block durations, time to first analgesic use, total analgesic need, postoperative visual analogue scale data, and side effects were recorded for each patient. Results : Sensory block onset time was shorter in group D ( P <0.05). Sensory block duration and time to first analgesic use were significantly longer in group D ( P < 0.05). No statistically significant changes in intraoperative MAP and HR, spo2 among two groups. Bradycardia, hypotension, hypoxemia, nausea, vomiting, and any other side effects were not seen in any patients . Conclusions : It was concluded in our study that adding dexmedetomidine to axillary brachial plexus block shortens sensory block onset time, increases the sensory block duration and time to first analgesic use, and decreases total analgesic use with no side effects.