Effect of Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to ropivacaine on the quality of block and post-operative analgesia in supraclavicular brachial plexus block

Background: Dexmedetomidine has been used as an adjuvant added to local anesthetic to prolong analgesia following peripheral nerve blockade. We aimed at assessing the effect of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Materials and Methods: 80 patients of ASA grade I and II of age between 20-60 years of either sex were randomized into two equal groups. Group C received 0.5% ropivacaine (30cc) and Group D received 0.5% ropivacaine with 1 μg/kg dexmedetomidine (30cc). Results: Baseline data was comparable. Sensory and motor block onset was earlier; sensory and motor blockade was prolonged in Group D. Analgesia duration was longer in Group D. Postoperative VAS at 12 h was significantly lower in Group D. Conclusion: It can be concluded that dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to 0.5% ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block shortens the sensory as well as motor block onset time, prolongs the sensory and motor block duration and time to first analgesic use, and decreases total analgesic use with no side-effects.