Background and Aims: Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to local anaesthetic in supraclavicular plexus block. We compared the onset time of sensory and motor block and postoperative analgesia.

Methods: Sixty patients scheduled for upper limb surgeries were divided into two equal groups, group LD and RD, randomly. The patients received brachial plexus block via supraclavicular route with the help of nerve stimulator. In group LD (n=30) 30cc of 0.5% levobupivacaine with 1µg/kg dexmedetomidine and in group RD (n=30) 30cc of 0.5% ropivacaine with 1µg/kg dexmedetomidine was given. Onset of motor and sensory block and time to first rescue analgesia were recorded.

Results: Sensory and motor onset time was significantly early in Group LD compared with RD (P< 0.05). Duration of post operative analgesia was significantly longer in Group LD compared to Group RD (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Addition of Dexmeditomidine to Levobupivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus block shorthens the onset times for sensory and motor blocks and significantly prolonged the duration of analgesia.