Effect of dexmedetomidine as adjuvant in ropivacaine-induced supraclavicular brachial plexus block: A prospective, double-blinded and randomized controlled study

Different additives have been used to prolong brachial plexus block. We evaluated the effect of adding dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus blockade. The primary endpoints were the onset and duration of sensory and motor block and duration of analgesia.

A total of 84 patients (20-50 years) posted for elective forearm and hand surgery under supraclavicular brachial plexus block were divided into two equal groups (Group R and RD) in a randomized, double-blind fashion. In group RD (n = 42) 30 ml 0.5% ropivacaine +1 ml (100 μg) of dexmedetomidine and group R (n = 42) 30 ml 0.5% ropivacaine +1 ml normal saline were administered in supraclavicular block. Sensory and motor block onset times and block durations, time to first analgesic use, total analgesic need, postoperative visual analog scale (VAS), hemodynamics and side-effects were recorded for each patient.

Though with similar demographic profile in both groups, sensory and motor block in group RD (P < 0.05) was earlier than group R. Sensory and motor block duration and time to first analgesic use were significantly longer and the total need for rescue analgesics was lower in group RD (P < 0.05) than group R. Post-operative VAS value at 12 h were significantly lower in group RD (P < 0.05). Intra-operative hemodynamics were significantly lower in group RD (P < 0.05) without any appreciable side-effects.

It can be concluded that adding dexmedetomidine to supraclavicular brachial plexus block increases the sensory and motor block duration and time to first analgesic use, and decreases total analgesic use with no side-effects.