Prolongation of bupivacaine effect in epidural block by dextraven-150

A double blind study was conducted on 84 subjects (needing surgery) of both sexes who were randomly divided into two groups. In group I 30 ml of 0.33 per cent bupivacaine (20 ml 0.5% bupivacaine + 10 ml of N saline) was injected epidurally and in group II 20 ml of 0.5 per cent bupivacaine + 10 ml of dextraven - 150 (6% solution in 5% dextrose). The subject were observed for the onset of block, degree of motor blockade, period of analgesia and complications during and after surgery. Dextran - 150 mixture significantly prolonged the duration of action of bupivacaine (13.5 +/- 6.25 h) when given epidurally, without affecting the onset, muscular paralysis, quality of block and the incidence of complications.