A COMPARATIVE STUDY TO KNOW THE EFFECTS OF DEXMEDETOMIDINE AS AN ADJUVANT WITH 0.75% ROPIVACAINE FOR ULTRASOUND GUIDED AXILLARY BRACHIAL PLEXUS BLOCK FOR FOREARM AND HAND SURGERIES

Background: Dexmedetomidine is an selective alpha-2-receptor agonist.Various studies have been done to describe the effects of dexmedetomidine as an additive to local anaesthetics in peripheral nerve blocks.With the use of ultrasound guidance axillary brachial plexus block has been easier with reduced drug dosage and with lesser complications. Objectives: To compare the effects of addition of dexmedetomidine with 0.75% ropivacaine for axillary brachial plexus block in reference to onset of sensory and motor block and duration of analgesia. Methods: 60 patients of ASA grade I and II posted for forearm and hand surgeries were allocated randomly into two groups of 30 each,Group R will receive 0.75% ropivacaine 20ml + Nacl 0.9%(1ml) Group D will receive 0.75% ropivacaine 20ml + dexmedetomidine 1ml(100µg).Under ultrasound guidance axillary block was administered.Onset of sensory block was assessed by pin prick method,modied bromage scale was used to assess the motor block,patients would be assessed post operatively for the duration of sensory and motor blockade. present study showed that onset of sensory and motor blocks was signicantly fast Results: er in group D as compared to group R.Also duration of motor block and duration of analgesia was prolonged in group D as compared to group R. No statistically signicant changes in intraoperative MAP and HR,BP, spo among two groups. It was concluded 2 Conclusion: that addition of dexmedetomidine(100µg) to 0.75% ropivacaine shortens the sensory and motor onset time, with increased duration of analgesia and motor blockade when used for axillary brachial plexus block under ultrasound guidance without any adverse effects.