2021, Vol. 4, Issue 1, Part B

Introduction: Dexmedetomiodine is a selective α2 agonist drug. This study aimed to assess the onset and duration of sensory and motor block and postoperative analgesia in the first 12 hours after surgery after adding Dexmedetomidine with 0.375% Levobupivacaine for brachial plexus block.

Material and Method: 100 patients aged 18-60 years of ASA Grade I & II posted for upper limb surgeries under supraclavicular brachial plexus block were randomly allocated into two groups with 50 patients in each. Group L and L+D received 35cc of 0.375% injection Levobupivacaine and 35cc of 0.375% Levobupivacaine with 1 µg/kg of injection Dexmedetomidine respectively through nerve stimulator guided supraclavicular block. Onset and duration of sensory and motor block, time to first and total analgesic need were noted postoperatively for 12 hours.

Results: Sensory and motor block onset time was significantly lower in the Group L+D than Group L (p=0.001). Duration of sensory and motor block was significantly longer in the Group L+D than Group L (p=0.001). The time to the first analgesic requirement was longer in Group L+D than Group L (p=0.001). The total analgesic requirement was significantly lower in Group L+D than Group L (p=0.001).Heart rate and systolic and diastolic blood pressure was significantly lower after drug administration in group L+D than group L.

Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine added to Levobupivacaine causes early onset and increased duration of sensory and motor block and prolonged period of postoperative analgesia in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Therefore, Dexmedetomidine seems to be a good alternate adjuvant.