Comparative study of intrathecal bupivacaine and bupivacaine with clonidine in infra-umblical surgeries

Abstract

Introduction: Intrathecal clonidine is a safe, nonopioid adjuvant to local anaesthetics to prolong the duration of anaesthesia and analgesia without any major side effects. We investigated and compare the characteristics of spinal block, duration of postoperative analgesia, hemodynamic responses and side effects using intrathecal bupivacaine and its combination with clonidine in patients undergoing infra-umblical surgeries. Material and Methods: In the present study, 70 patients of ASA grade I and II, age between 18-64 years were randomly allocated in two groups. Group A received 12.5 mg of hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine with 0.5 cc of normal saline and group B received 12.5 mg of hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine plus 75µg of clonidine. Various parameter of intrathecal block were than studied. Result: Addition of clonidine to 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine given intrathecally significantly prolonged the duration of motor blockade, time for two segment regression and the duration of postoperative analgesia with minimal acceptable side effects as compare to bupivacaine alone. Conclusion: Intrathecal addition of clonidine significantly prolongs the duration of motor block providing good postoperative analgesia as well as improves the quality of block.