Effect of Dexmedetomidine As Adjuvant to Ropivacaine for Brachial Plexus Block

Effect of Dexmedetomidine As Adjuvant to Ropivacaine for Brachial Plexus Block

Brachial plexus block is used for upper limb surgery. Local anesthesia alone for brachial plexus block provides good operative conditions, but have short duration of postoperative analgesia. Hence, various adjuvants to local anaesthetic agents to prolong the duration of peripheral nerve, analgesia. However, results are either inconclusive or associated with side effects. The purpose of this study is to determine whether dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to ropivacaine in brachial plexus block improve quality of block in terms of duration of post operative analgesia.

Inclusion Criteria:

• ASA physical status I and II patients, weight 45 to 74 kg
• Elective upper limb surgery under brachial plexus block

Exclusion Criteria:

• known hypersensitivity or contraindication to ropivacaine, lidocaine and dexmedetomidine
• Pregnant or lactating mothers
• Hepatic, renal or cardiopulmonary abnormalities
• Long term analgesic therapy