Supraclavicular brachial plexus block using ropivacaine alone or combined with dexmedetomidine for upper limb surgery: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, comparative study

Abstract

BackgroundDexmedetomidine is a new α2 receptor agonist with analgesic and sedative properties. We used dexmedetomidine along with ropivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus block. MethodsEighty ASA grade I–II patients, 18–60 years old, scheduled for elective upper limb orthopaedic surgery under supraclavicular brachial plexus block, were included in this prospective study. The patients were randomly assigned to group R (ropivacaine alone) and group RD (ropivacaine and dexmedetomidine) (40 patients in each group). Group R received ropivacaine 0.50% (30 cc)+placebo and group RD received ropivacaine 0.50% (30 cc)+dexmedetomidine 1μg/kg. Primary outcome measure was duration of analgesia. Secondary measures were onset and duration of sensory blockade, pain scores, onset and duration of motor blockade, and evidence of any adverse drug reactions. ResultsThere was no significant difference haemodynamic parameter during intra-operative period. Group RD showed a statistically significant shorter time to onset of sensory blockade (10.75±2.71 vs. 16.75±2.96min, p=0.003), longer sensory block duration (379.40±55.09 vs. 211.60±47.88min, p=0.002), shorter onset time to motor blockade (14.35±2.58 vs. 20.25±4.13min, p=0.003), longer motor block duration (312.0±49.91 vs. 184.7±36.76min, p=0.002), longer duration of postoperative analgesia (413.73±89.92 vs. 197.35±28.67min, p=0.002). Three patients in the group RD developed somnolence (p=0.04). ConclusionDexmedetomidine along with ropivacaine decreases the onset of motor and sensory block and increases the duration of sensory and motor block in supraclavicular brachial plexus block.