Abstract
Background: Brachial plexus block is a popular and widely employed regional nerve block of upper extremity which avoids the unwanted effect of anesthetic drugs. It has been proved in numerous studies that dexmedetomidine is harmless and effecient in several spinal, epidural and regional anaesthesia in humans. Less exploration of dexmedetomidine in regional blocks was the reason for study. Objectives: To determine efficacy of anesthesia and analgesia between dexmedetomidine-bupivacaine and bupivacaine-alone in brachial block. Methods: After institutional ethics committee approval and patient consent, 70 Upper limb surgery patients, aged 18-60 years; ASA physical statuses 1 and 2were randomized into 2 groups. Group I and II received bupivacaine 0.5%+ 1ml Normal saline, bupivacaine 0.5% 15ml+ 100 mcg dexmedetomidine+ 15ml lignocaine+adrenaline, respectively. A pre-anesthetic checkup was done for all patients, which will include a detailed history, general physical and systemic examination. Results: There was no statistical difference in the heart rate and BP at the start of the procedure. Mean heart rate recorded in study group at 15minutes, 30minutes, 45minutes, 60minutes and 90minutes was statistically significant compared to control group. Mean BP recorded was significantly lower in study group at 15 min, 45 min, 60 min durations in comparison to control group, however it was similar in both the groups at the end of the procedure. Conclusion: In conclusion, dexmedetomidine added to 0.5% bupivacaine and 2% lignocaine + adrenaline is an attractive and safe option for improving the duration and quality of supraclavicular brachial plexus block in upper limb surgeries.