Keywords
Dexmedetomidine
Ropivacaine
postoperative analgesia
randomized control trial
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction: Upper limb orthopedic surgeries are associated with severe postoperative pain and pain management poses a great challenge to both anesthesiologists and orthopedic surgeons Effective postoperative pain management is a critical component of patient care, improving recovery outcomes.
Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the mean duration of postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing upper limb orthopedic surgeries with ultra sound-guided supraclavicular block between ropivacaine alone and dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant with ropivacaine.
Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial.
Study Duration: March 08, 2024 to September 07, 2024.
Settings: Department of Anesthesia, GTTH, Lahore.
Material & Methods: A total of 60 patients meeting inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups: Group A received Dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg) with Ropivacaine, and Group B received Normal Saline with Ropivacaine. Blockade procedures were performed under ultrasound guidance, and data on sensory and motor block, analgesia duration were collected and analyzed using SPSS v21.
Results: Out of 60 patients, Group A had 56.7% males and 43.3% females, while Group B had 46.7% males and 53.3% females. The mean age was 39.57 ± 10.42 years in Group A and 38.93 ± 9.88 years in Group B (p=0.847). However, Group A had a significantly longer duration of analgesia (286.60 ± 15.42 minutes) compared to Group B (217.42 ± 13.98 minutes, p<0.001).
Conclusion: The results concluded that the addition of Dexmedetomidine to Ropivacaine significantly prolonged the duration of analgesia in supraclavicular brachial plexus blocks without adverse safety concerns, making it a valuable option for enhanced postoperative pain management