ABSTRACT
Background:Background and objectives: Brachial plexus block is routinely performed method of regional nerve block. Different adjuvantshave been used to hasten the onset and prolong the duration of peripheral nerve blocks. In this study we compared dexamethasone and magnesium sulphate as an adjuvant to combination of bupivacaine and lignocaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block with regards to comparison of time required for onset and duration of sensory and motor block, duration of post-operative analgesia and requirement of rescue analgesics in first 24 hours postoperatively. Material And Methods:This prospective, observational, comparative study was performed on 60 patients of ASA class I, II and III in the age group of 18 to 70 years, weighing 40 to 70 kilogram and undergoing lower arm, elbow, forearm and hand surgeriesdivided in to 2 equal groups D and M. Group D received dexamethasone 8mg and group M received magnesium sulphate 500mg along with bupivacaine(0.5%) and lignocaine(2%).Result:Onest of sensory and motor blockade was significantly faster in group D compared to group M (p-0.001, p<0.001 respectively). Duration of sensory and motor blockade and duration of postoperative analgesia was prolonged in group D compared to group M (p-0.008, p-0.034).Conclusion:Addition of dexamethasone or magnesium sulphate as adjuvant in supraclavicular block prolongs postoperative analgesia. Dexamethasone provided quicker onset and longer duration of analgesia with lesser consumption of rescue analgesic in comparison to magnesium sulphate.