Efficacy of Dexamethasone as an Adjuvant to Bupivacaine in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

AIMS: Brachial plexus nerve blocks have analgesic and opioid sparing benefits for upper extremity surgery. Single-injection techniques are limited by duration of local anaesthetic agents, however Continuous block techniques can be used for prolonged anaesthesia and analgesia but it presents management challenges. The study was designed to compare the effects of dexamethasone administered as an adjunct to bupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block on the onset,duration and postoperative analgesia following upper limb surgeries. METHODS AND MATERIAL: A prospective, double-blind study was undertaken in patients scheduled for upper limb surgeries under supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Sixty patients were randomly divided into two groups, Group B and BD.Group B received 30 ml of 0.375% bupivacaine with 2 ml normal saline while Group BD received 30 ml of 0.375% bupivacain with 2ml(8mg) dexamethasone for supraclavicular brachial plexus block. The groups were compared regarding quality of sensory and motor blockade, duration of post operative analgesia and intra and postoperative complications. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in duration of motor and sensory block and analgesia in Group BD as compared to Group B patients(P < 0.0001). No significant side effects were noted. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of 8 mg of dexamethasone to bupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block prolongs the duration of motor and sensory block and extends the analgesia period.