INTRODUCTION:Upper limb surgeries are mostly performed under peripheral blocks; the brachial plexus block. Peripheral nerve blocks not only provide intraoperative anaesthesia but also prolong analgesia in the post-operative period. Although studies have described the effects of dexmedetomidine on neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks, till date, there are limited number of studies available on the effect of adding dexmedetomidine to levobupivacaine for an axillary brachial plexus block. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of adding 1 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine to levobupivacaine for an axillary brachial plexus block to assess the onset and duration of sensory and motor block along with duration of analgesia in the postoperative period. METHODS: Hundred patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I/II, scheduled to undergo forearm and hand surgeries, were enrolled for the prospective randomized, double blind placebo controlled study. Patients were divided into two equal groups. Group I [Control Group]: 39 ml of 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine + 1 ml of isotonic saline. Group II [Study Group]: 39 ml of 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine + 1 ml of dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg) solution. RESULTS: The results showed that the onset of sensory and motor block are significantly shorter in group II (study group)(p<0.05) while the duration of blocks were significantly longer in group II (p<0.05) along with better postoperative analgesia. None of the patients had bradycardia, hypotension or any other side effects in either of the groups. CONCLUSION: Addition of dexmedetomidine (1µg/kg) to 0.5% isobaric levobupivacaine shortens the onset time of sensory and motor block significantly, increases the duration of sensory and motor block and prolong the duration of postoperative analgesia without any side effects.
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