Dexamethasone and Analgesic Duration After Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Blockade

Dexamethasone and Analgesic Duration After Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Blockade

Patients undergoing surgery of the hand often are treated with a nerve block in the shoulder/neck area that provides anesthesia/numbing during surgery. Nerve blocks usually last for a few hours after surgery and provide pain relief for this period. It may be possible to extend the duration of anesthesia by using a steroid, which has anti-inflammtory properties. This study will compare the duration of the nerve block when dexamethasone (steroid) is added to the anesthetic injected around the nerve.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients having unilateral hand or forearm surgery under Supraclavicular brachial plexus blockade.
2. ASA I-III
3. Age 18-60
4. BMI < 35

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to local anesthetics and dexamethasone.
2. Contra-indication to regional anesthesia/ supraclavicular brachial plexus blockade e.g. bleeding diathesis, coagulopathy.
3. Peripheral neuropathy.
4. Peptic ulcer disease.
5. Diabetes Mellitus.
6. Inability to give informed consent.