The effect of addition of intrathecal clonidine to hyperbaric bupivacaine on postoperative analgesic requirement in patient undergoing lower abdominal surgeries

Neuraxial anesthesia greatly expands the anesthesiologist armamentarium, providing alternatives to general anesthesia, especially in the lower abdominal surgeries. Clonidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, has a variety of actions, including potentiation of effects of local anesthetics. This study was undertaken to assess postoperative analgesia provided by low dose (30 mcg) intrathecal clonidine mixed with bupivacaine. Material and methods: Sixty patients were randomly allocated in two groups A and B. Group A received bupivacaine 0.5%, 3 ml and Group B, bupivacaine 0.5%, 3 ml with clonidine 30 μg (0.2ml). Result: Mean duration of regression of sensory block higher in GROUP B (310.2±10.7) as compared to GROUP A (172.13±7.2). Mean duration of regression of motor block higher in GROUP B (270.3 + 8.0) as compared to GROUP A (162.3 + 6.0). Duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged in group B (323.50±26.7) as compared to group A (240.50±17.6). HR decreased more in group B as compared to group A. Decrease in blood pressure was more in group B as compared to group A+ Conclusion: The findings in this study suggested that use of clonidine 30 μg added to bupivacaine for spinal anesthesia effectively increased the duration of sensory block, duration of motor block, and duration of analgesia.