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Supraclavicular brachial plexus block with and without dexamethasone - a comparative study.
B R Shrestha1, S K Maharjan, S Tabedar
1Dept. of Anaesthesiology, Kathmandu Medical College, Sinamangal.
Kathmandu University Medical Journal (KUMJ)
|January 3, 2006
Summary
Adding dexamethasone to local anesthetic for supraclavicular brachial plexus block significantly speeds onset and extends pain relief. This combination offers prolonged analgesia without adverse effects for arm surgery patients.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Supraclavicular brachial plexus block is a common anesthetic technique for upper extremity surgeries.
- Optimizing the duration and efficacy of analgesia is crucial for patient recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the analgesic efficacy of local anesthetic with and without dexamethasone in supraclavicular brachial plexus block.
- To compare the onset and duration of analgesia between the two groups.
Main Methods:
- Forty patients undergoing arm, forearm, and hand surgeries were randomized into two groups.
- One group received a brachial plexus block with local anesthetic and adrenaline; the other received local anesthetic with dexamethasone.
- Onset of action, duration of analgesia, and complications were recorded and analyzed using an independent sample t-test.
Main Results:
- The dexamethasone group demonstrated a significantly faster onset of analgesic action.
- The duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged in the group that received dexamethasone.
- No complications were reported in either group.
Conclusions:
- Dexamethasone addition to brachial plexus blocks significantly enhances and prolongs postoperative analgesia.
- This adjuvant therapy provides extended pain relief without increasing the risk of complications.