COMPARISON OF 0.5% ROPIVACAINE ALONE AND IN COMBINATION WITH ADJUVANTS CLONIDINE OR DEXAMETHASONE USED IN BRACHIAL PLEXUS BLOCK THROUGH SUPRACLAVICULAR APPROACH : A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED DOUBLE BLIND CLINICAL STUDY

Abstract

Background and Aim : Background the present study was planned to evaluate the effect of 0.5% ropivacaine with adjuvants 0.15mg clonidine or 8 mg dexamethasone with consideration to the onset and duration of sensory-motor blockade, hemodynamic variables, postoperative analgesia and adverse effects. Material and Methods The study was conducted in the department of Anaesthesiology, Darbhanga medical college and hospital from April 2018 to December 2019. 105 consenting patients were included scheduled for moderate duration of upper limb surgeries of orthopedics and general surgery. Results : 124 patients were assessed for eligibility. Eleven patients did not give consent for participation and eight was not included due to not meeting inclusion criteria. 105 patients were enrolled and randomized to any of the three groups; 35 each in the intervention and the comparator groups. Finally, 35 patients in placebo and dexamethasone group each and 35 patients in clonidine group were analyzed, the rest being excluded due to failed block. Conclusion : we conclude that dexamethasone as an adjuvant is a good choice to prolong the duration of postoperative analgesia without any serious adverse effect. However, prolonged motor block is a matter of concern and the search for an adjuvant that selectively prolongs analgesia without impairing motor function continues.