Background: This study was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of Ropivacaine alone and in combination with Dexmedetomidine in the axillary block. Addition of Dexmedetomidine to Ropivacaine for peripheral nerve blocks has shown to improve the efficacy of Ropivacaine by prolonging the duration of analgesia.

 Materials and Methods: 60 patients belonging to American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II scheduled for elective forearm and/or hand surgeries were randomly allocated into one of the two groups to receive either 30ml of 0.5% Ropivacaine and 1 ml normal saline (Group R) and 30ml of 0.5% Ropivacaine and 1 μg/kg Dexmedetomidine

diluted to 1 ml with normal saline (Group RD).

Results: We noticed early  onset of sensory and the motor block in Group RD. Duration of sensory block in Group RD and R was 650.25±85.50min and 460.45±50.30 min respectively which was clinically significant (P < 0.001). Duration of motor block in Group RD and R were 690.76±75.50 min and  540.60±65.38 min and was clinically significant. Duration of analgesia in Group RD and R were 730.50±98.68 min and 580.60±80.50 min and was clinically significant. There was a significant alteration in hemodynamics in Group RD when compared to Group R without any side effects.

Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to ropivacaine provides faster onset of anesthesia and longer duration of analgesia. It offers reliable, effective mode of anesthesia with prolonged postoperative analgesia for forearm and/or hand surgeries.