A STUDY TO COMPARE THE EFFICACY OF BUPIVACAINE ALONE AND BUPIVACAINE PLUS DEXAMETHASONE IN SUPRACLAVICULAR BRACHIAL PLEXUS BLOCK

Abstract

Peripheral nerve blocks can be used for anesthesia, postoperative analgesia, diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain disorders. Skilful application of peripheral nerveblockade broadens the anesthesia provider's range of options in providing optimal anesthetic care. These techniques can be used in all age groups, with appropriate selection and sedation. Present prospective, randomized, double blinded study was conducted at Department of Anaesthesiology, SKMCH, Muzaffarpur, Bihar. Total Sixty consecutive adult patients undergoing upper limb orthopaedic surgeries under supraclavicular block were studied. The patients were drafted in the study after obtaining written informed consent from them. Patients divided in two groups : No statistically signicant difference in the demographic parameters and duration of surgery between the two groups was noted. We, therefore, conclude that addition of 8 mg dexamethasone to bupivacaine 0.25% solution in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. 1) Prolongs the duration of sensory and motor blockade. 2) Reduces the requirement of rescue analgesic in postoperative period. 3) Has no effect on the onset time of sensory and motor blockadc