Effect of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to 0.5% bupivacaine in brachial plexus block

Abstract

Background: The upper extremity surgery is the most common indication of supraclavicular brachial plexus block. It is superior, provides long lasting analgesia and avoids potential side effects of general anaesthesia such as nausea, vomiting, dental trauma, sore throat, allergic reactions and intra operative hemodynamics. Objectives: To compare the time of onset and duration of block using 0.5% Bupivacaine alone and with Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant. To determine the hemodynamic status of patients when Dexmedetomidine is used as an adjuvant to 0.5%Bupivacainein Brachial Plexus Block. Materials and methods: We studied 64 ASA I & II patients undergoing upper limb surgeries under supraclavicular brachial plexus block done by ultrasound guidance technique. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups by lott picking method. Group B :( n-32) – 20 ml0.5%bupivacaine+1mL normal saline. Group BD: (n-32) – 20ml0.5% bupivacaine + Dexmedetomidine 50mcg. Patients were evaluated for sensory & motor block onset and duration, duration of analgesia, hemodynamic parameters including non-invasive blood pressure, pulse rate, saturation intraoperatively and postoperatively. Results: The onset of sensory and motor block was faster in group BD (10.31 +/- 3.79 minsand15.72 +/- 4.75 mins respectively) when compared to group B (18.44 +/- 4.43 minsand 26.25 +/- 5.95 mins respectively).