Effect of dexmedetomidine given by different routes on combined lumbar plexus and sciatic nerve block with ropivacaine

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine (Dex) given by different routes on combined lumbar plexus and sciatic nerve block(CLPSNB) with 0.375% ropivacaine. Methods Ninety patients were randomly allocated into three groups (n=30): 0.375% ropivacaine 50 ml for CLPSNB in group R, 1 μg/kg Dex infused over 10 min+0.375% ropivacaine 50 ml for CLPSNB in group D+R, and 1 μg/kg Dex diluted in 0.375% ropivacaine 50 ml for CLPSNB in group DR. Groups R and DR were intravenously infused with the same volume of saline in group D+R. The onest time and duration of sensory and motor block, satisfaction of doctors, and side effects were recorded. Results Sensory and motor block onset time has no significant difference among three groups(P>0.05). Motor block duration and first time use of analgesics were longer in group DR[(768±246) min and (1 080±300) min] and group D+R[(732±204) min and (1 050±288) min] than group R[(420±126) min and (840±306) min](P 0.05). Conclusions Dex diluted in 0.375% ropivacaine for CLPSNB can provide good analgesic efficacy and satisfaction of doctors. Key words: Dexmedetomidine; Ropivacaine; Nerve block; Lumbar plexus; Sciatic nerve