Comparative evaluation of dexamethasone and clonidine as an adjuvant to ropivacaine in supraclavicular block

Background/Aim: Enhancing the intensity of block by using adjuvant is the mainstay now a days in various regional block for surgery. Our primary objective was to compare the dexamethasone and clonidine as adjuvant to ropivacaine in supraclavicular block. Supraclavicular brachial plexus block provides excellent perioperative analgesia in upper extremity surgeries. Various adjuvants can be added to local anesthetics to enhance the effect of block. The main objective in the management of postoperative pain is minimizing the dose of analgesic to reduce side effects and provide adequate analgesia, shorten hospital stay, reduce hospital cost, and increase patient satisfaction. Methodology: One hundred twenty patients going for elective upper limb surgery of ASA grade I & ASA II in the age group 18 – 60 years were divided in the two groups of 60 each. Groups 1 were given Ropivacaine 0.5% 30 ml with 8 mg Dexamethasone, and Groups II were given Ropivacaine 0.5% 30 ml with 75 mcg Clonidine for supraclavicular block using peripheral nerve stimulator. Onset of sensory and motor block, duration of motor block, duration of analgesia, number of rescue analgesia, sedation score, post-operative pain and adverse effects were observed.