European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Adjuncts to local anaesthetics for brachial plexus block enhances the
quality and duration of analgesia. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of
dexmedetomidine, when added as adjuvant to bupivacaine, in respect to onset, duration of sensory and
motor block along with duration of analgesia.
Materials and Methods: After informed consent, 60 ASA I and II patients scheduled for
elective/emergency upper limb surgeries under supraclavicular brachial plexus block (under ultrasound
guidance) was randomized were divided into two equal groups-Group A & B. Group A-received
bupivacaine 28 ml (0.25%) & dexmedetomidine 1μg/kg, and Group B-received bupivacaine 28 ml
(0.25%) & 2ml normal saline. Onset and duration of sensory and motor block, duration of analgesia were
studied in both the groups.
Results: Both groups were comparable with regard to age, sex distribution & duration of surgery. There
was no statistically significant difference. Onset of sensory and motor blockade was 9.2±1.6min
and12.8±1.6mins, respectively in group A, while it was 17.7±2.6min and 23.5±1.7min respectively in
Group B, which (p value˂0.001) is statistically significant. Duration of sensory block and motor block
was 648±49.1min 600.2±45.9min, respectively, in group A, while it was 250.5±26.8min and
206.0±19.0min respectively, in group B, which (p value˂0.001) is statistically significant. The duration
of analgesia in group A was 720.8±44.2 min, while in group B, it was 268.9± 23.1min which (p
value˂0.001), is also significant. There were no adverse events noted in either group. All patients were
haemodynamically stable.
Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine when added to bupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block had
faster onset, greater duration of sensory and motor block and also longer the duration of analgesia, than
in bupivacaine alone.