Comparision of efficacy of buprenorphine and dexmedetomidine as adjuvants to ropivacaine in ultrasound guided supraclavicular block in upper limb surgeries

Abstract

Background: Upper limb surgeries are commonly done under brachial plexus block. There are various approaches for brachial plexus block. Among them, supraclavicular approach is the most effective and commonly used method. It is performed at the division level with little or no sparing of dermatomes. A number of adjuvants have been used to enhance the effect of local anaesthetics in peripheral nerve block.This study was done to evaluate the efficacy of dexmedetomidine of 50μg over Buprenorphine of 300μg as an adjuvant to 0.5 % Ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Objectives: To compare the efficacies of buprenorphine and dexmedetomidine asadjuvants to 0.5% ropivacaine used in USG guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block for elective upper limb surgeries. Material and methods: A prospective randomized comparative study. Institutional Ethical Committee approval was obtained to perform the study.Study was conducted on 50 Patients of ASA I, II of ages between 18-60 yrs who are undergoing elective upper limb surgeries performed under supraclavicular brachial plexus block. These patients are assigned into 2 groups of 25 each. Results: The results show that Dexmedetomidineas an adjuvant to Ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block helps in prolonging the duration of motor blockade and duration of analgesia when compared to Buprenorphine without causing any post-operative side effects.