A Comparative Clinical Study of Levobupivacaine and Levobupivacaine with Dexmedetomidine for Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

BACKGROUND Sensory and motor functions of peripheral nerve can be blocked by injecting local anaesthetic around the group of nerves, which will stop the conduction of nerve impulse. Peripheral nerve block is a well-accepted technique in anaesthesia care. Brachial plexus block is also one of the reliable techniques in providing regional anaesthesia for upper limb surgery. METHODS This was a prospective, double blinded, randomised comparative study which included 40 patients of American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade I and II of either sex of 20 - 65 years old age groups for upper limb surgery. Cases were divided randomly into two groups: Group A: received levobupivacaine hydrochloride 0.5 % 25 cc with dexmedetomidine injection. Group B: received levobupivacaine hydrochloride 0.5 % 25 cc injection. Each individual was allocated to respective group by computer generated randomisation chart. Both group A and B were assessed for the onset of sensory & motor block, duration of postoperative analgesia and duration of action. RESULTS In the present study, it was observed that the onset of sensory blockade (P < 0.001) & motor blockade (P < 0.001) was earlier in groups A with prolonged duration of sensory & motor blockade (P < 0.001) as compared to group B. Group A took longer time for first rescue analgesia post operatively compared to group B, and the difference was found significant (P < 0.001). Both group A and group B were comparable for systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate. CONCLUSIONS The onset of sensory and motor blockade was early in 0.5 % levobupivacaine with dexmedetomidine with prolonged duration of action and required lesser dose of rescue analgesic in 0.5 % levobupivacaine with dexmedetomidine as compared to 0.5 % levobupivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. KEYWORDS Dexmedetomidine, Levobupivacaine, Brachial Plexus Block