Background: Supraclavicular brachial plexus block is a commonly used regional anesthetic technique for upperlimb surgeries. The addition of adjuvants to local anesthetics has been shown to improve block quality, onset time,and postoperative analgesia. This study compares the efficacy of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl as adjuvants to0.75% ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block.Aim and Objectives: To evaluate and compare the onset time, duration of sensory and motor block, and durationof postoperative analgesia between dexmedetomidine and fentanyl when used with 0.75% ropivacaine insupraclavicular brachial plexus block.Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted in the Department of Anesthesiaat Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH), Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India from January 2023 toDecember 2023.120 adult patients who underwent upper limb surgeries under supraclavicular brachial plexusblock. Group D (n=60) received 0.75% ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine (1 μg/kg), while Group F (n=60)received 0.75% ropivacaine with fentanyl (1 μg/kg). Parameters assessed included onset and duration of sensoryand motor block, duration of analgesia, and adverse events.Results: Group D demonstrated a significantly faster onset of both sensory and motor block, and a longer durationof analgesia compared to Group F (p<0.05). The incidence of sedation was higher in Group D, whereas nauseaand vomiting were more frequent in Group F.Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine is a more effective adjuvant than fentanyl when combined with 0.75%ropivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus block, offering prolonged analgesia and faster block onset withminimal complications.
Bhurer et al. (Thu,) studied this question.