IJSR - International Journal of Scientific Research

Lt Col Manish Paul; Brig RM Sharma; Alok Kumar; Lt Col I Sikdar

Volume : VI, Issue : VII, July - 2017

Dexmedetomidine as an additive to bupivacaine in Interscalene Brachial Plexus: Effects on duration of postoperative analgesia.

Lt Col Manish Paul, Brig Rm Sharma, Alok Kumar, Lt Col I Sikdar

Abstract :

Introduction: Interscalene achial plexus block is an effective nerve block for shoulder and upper arm surgery. Dexmedetomidine as an additive to local anaesthetic decreases anesthetic requirement and provide prolong analgesia to patients. We designed this study to compare the effect of dexmedetomidine on duration of analgesia when added to bupivacaine in interscalene achial plexus block.

Methods: Forty two patients undergoing upper limb surgery were randomly assigned to two groups to receive Interscalene Brachial Plexus block. They received 35 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine and either 0.2 mcg/kg body weight dexmedetomidine (Group D, n = 21) or equal volume of isotonic saline (Group B, n = 21). Sensory block onset time, sedation values, time to first analgesic requirement and any side effects were noted.

Results: Shortened sensory block onset times (113.8 sec and 334.7 sec in Group D and Group B respectively, P < 0.0001) and time to first analgesic requirement (625.90 min and 180.01 min in Group D and Group B respectively, P < 0.0001) was significantly longer in dexmedetomidine group. Conclusions: We conclude that the dexmedetomidine as an additive not only increases duration of analgesia but also decreases onset time of Interscalene achial plexus block.