A Comparative Study of Ropivacaine with Dexamethasone and Ropivacaine with Dexmedetomidine in Ultrasound Guided Brachial Plexus Blockade for Adult Upper Limb Surgeries

BACKGROUND Blockade of brachial plexus at several locations from the roots to the terminal branches will allow for surgical anaesthesia of the upper extremity and shoulder. We have attempted to compare the efficacy of dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine when used as an adjunct to brachial plexus blockade when used as a sole anaesthetic for upper arm surgeries. METHODS After obtaining ethical committee clearance, a prospective observational study was conducted in patients undergoing upper arm surgeries. Patients were compared in two groups; Group 1 received 18 mL Ropivacaine (0.5 %) and Dexamethasone 8 mg (2 mL); Group 2 received Ropivacaine (0.5 %) and 75 mcg Dexmedetomidine along with 1.25 mL isotonic sodium chloride. RESULTS Mean time of onset of sensory blockade was 12.1 ± 1.1 min in Group 1 and 10.3 ± 1.2 min in Group 2. Mean Duration of Analgesia in Group 1 was 1024.5 ± 62.0 min and in Group 2 was 1394.3 ± 189.6 min. Mean Onset of Motor block in Group 1 was 18.2 ± 1.5 min and in Group 2 was 14.7 ± 1.0 min. Mean Duration of motor block in Group 1 was 697.2 ± 37.3 min and in Group 2 was 776.3 ± 48.0 min. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed that dexmedetomidine is a better alternative for decreasing the onset of motor block along with enhanced quality and duration of supraclavicular block.