DEXMETOMIDINE AS ADJUVENT TO BUPIVACAINE IMPROVES POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIA IN BRACHIAL PLEXUS BLOCKADE

Dr Ashwini Patel; Dr. Mona Bhalavi

Volume : VII, Issue : VI, June - 2018

DEXMETOMIDINE AS ADJUVENT TO BUPIVACAINE IMPROVES POSTOPERATIVE ANALGESIA IN BRACHIAL PLEXUS BLOCKADE

Dr Ashwini Patel, Dr. Mona Bhalavi

Abstract :

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of 50microgmdexmetomedine to 20 ml of bupivacaine on postoperative analgesic effects of achial plexus block in forearm surgery.

MethodsIn 40 patients scheduled for forearm surgery, BPB was preoperatively performed with 20 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine under the guidance of a nerve stimulator. Patients were randomly allocated to receive the same volume of normal saline (Group I), 50microgm of dexmetomidine (Group II),. A blind observer recorded total analgesic consumption, complication, and patient satisfaction using a visual analogue scale at 0, 6, 12 hours after the operation.

ResultsAll patients had successful BPB and excellent analgesic effects less than VAS 4 up to discharge time. VAS in Group II at 6 h and 12 h was statistically much lower than in Group I . There were no differences in total analgesic consumption, , complications, and patient satisfaction.

ConclusionWe conclude that the addition of 50microgm of dexmetomedine to 20 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine in BPB showed improvement of postoperative analgesia for forearm operation without any specific complications.