“Vertical infraclavicular block with Dexmeditomidine as an adjuvant to local anesthetics-multifaceted quality enhancement effort”

Abstract

Introduction: For regional anesthesia, various adjuvants have been used along with local anesthetics (LA). We studied the effect of addition of Dexmeditomidine to LA in vertical infraclavicular brachial plexus block (ICB). The primary goal was to study the onset and duration of sensory and motor block. The secondary goal was to note the time for first rescue analgesic and quality of block. Materials and Method :Sixty patients ( 18 to 60 years) posted for below elbow orthopaedic surgeries were given vertical ICB using PNS, after computerized randomization into two equal groups: Group S: Bupivacaine 0.375% (18 cc) + lignocaine 1.5% 20 cc + 2cc normal saline. Group D: Bupivacaine 0.375% (18 cc) + lignocaine 1.5% 20cc +dexmedetomidine 1 ?g/kg (2ml volume). All the patients were observed for onset of sensory and motor block, total sensory and motor block duration, time to first rescue analgesic and side effects if any. Results: The demographic data in two groups was statistically comparable. The onset of sensory and motor block in Group D was faster (p