effect of dexmedetomidine and verapamil as adjuvant to local anaesthetic solution on the onset, quality and duration of brachial plexus block in

patients undergoing routine upper extremity surgery.

Aims: The study is aimed to perform and demonstrate the comparative effect of dexmedetomidine and verapamil as adjuvant added to 0.5%

bupivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus block.

Methods and Material: The study was a prospective, randomized, controlled, double blinded study. 120 patients undergoing elective upper limb

surgery were divided into three groups of 40 each. Group B received 30 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine, Group D received 30 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine with

100 μg dexmedetomidine added to it and Group V received 30 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine with 2.5 mg verapamil added to it.

Statistical analysis used: Microsoft Excel 2007 and statistical software plug–ins, Chi–square test and student t–test (Unpaired and One way

ANOVA).Data are being represented as mean ± SD. A ‘p‘ value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Onset of sensory blockade time was fastest in Group D(11.3 ± 1.38 minutes),marginally faster in Group V(18.1 ± 1.24 minutes) as

compared to Group B(18.55 ± 1.78 minutes)(p<0.05).Onset of motor blockade time was fastest in Group D(14.2 ± 1.24 minutes),marginally

faster in Group V(20.55 ± 1.54 minutes) as compared to Group B(21.05 ± 2.09 minutes)(p<0.05).Quality of sensory blockade was better in Group

D(max VAS score 1.52 ± 0.67) as compared to Group V(max VAS score 1.9 ± 0.8) and Group B(max VAS score 2.05 ± 0.77)(p<0.05).Duration of

motor blockade was longer in Group D(9.61 ± 1.51 hrs) as compared to Group V(5.58 ± 0.87 hrs) and Group B(5.42 ± 0.86 hrs)(p<0.05).Duration

of analgesia was much prolonged in Group D(14.42 ± 2.49 hrs.) as compared to Group V(8.61 ± 1.96 hrs.) and Group B(8.27 ± 1.82 hrs.)(p<0.05).

Conclusions: Addition of dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block produces early onset, better quality of block,

and prolonged pain free post – operative period without increasing the side effects or complications, while addition of verapamil to bupivacaine

does not produce any significant difference in block characteristics.