DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2019.v07i01.032

Pages: 174-182

Background: Many studies have described effects of vasoconstrictors as dexmedetomidine on peripheral nerve blocks, to date there is limited knowledge available on the study of dexmedetomidine adjunct to levobupivacaine in axillary brachial plexus block. Aims and Objectives: The aim of our study was to see the effects of adding dexmedetomidine to levobupivacaine in an axillary brachial plexus block. Objectives: To compare the onset and duration of motor and sensory block, requirements of any analgesics, compications if any and general vitals. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I/II scheduled to undergo forearm and hand surgery, in which an axillary block was used, were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: in group L patients (n = 30), an axillary block was performed with 39 mL levobupivacaine 0.5% plus 1 mL of isotonic sodium chloride. In group D patients (n = 30), an axillary block was performed with 39 mL levobupivacaine 0.5% and 1 mL dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg−1 plus isotonic sodium chloride. Then mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), peripheral oxygen saturation (Spo2), sensory and motor block onset times and block durations, time to first analgesic use, total analgesic need, intraoperative verbal analog scale, postoperative visual analog scale (VAS) data, and side effects were recorded for each patient. Results: Sensory block onset time was shorter in group D (P < 0.05). Sensory and motor block duration and time to first analgesic use were significantly longer in group D (P < 0.05), and the total need for analgesics was lower in group D (P < 0.05).