ABSTRACT
Background: Bilateral Superficial cervical plexus block (BSCPB) is one method of post op analgesia given before General anesthesia as this avoids polypharmacy. Objectives: This prospective randomized, controlled clinical study compared the post-operative analgesic efficacy of BSCPB using Ropivacaine (0.5%) with or without Clonidine (2mcg/kg).It also evaluated the intra operative opioid dosage and hemodynamic responses in patients undergoing thyroid surgeries. Methods: 60 Patients undergoing thyroidectomy were randomized into 3 groups,(Group A) BSCPB using normal saline ,(group B)Ropivacaine (0.5%) , (group C) Ropivacaine (0.5%) with Clonidine (2mcg/kg) before GA. Intra and post-operative hemodynamic responses, fentanyl dosage and the time of rescue analgesia were assessed. Post op pain scores using VAS, nausea, vomiting and sedation were assessed for 24 hours.Results: The mean duration of analgesia is highly significant (p<0.001) in group C. Intra operative fentanyl requirement was significantly lesser in groups B and C (P<0.001). Intra operative hemodynamic changes were significant in Group B and C. Post operative pain scores were significantly lower in groups B and C for the first 24 hours (P<0.001).The time of rescue analgesia in group A was early when compared to group B and C (P<0.001) and in group B when compared to group C .Post operative nausea, vomiting were lower in group B and C. Conclusion: BSCPB performed prior to GA using 0.5% Ropivacaine with or without clonidine was effective in reducing intra and post-operative analgesic requirements. The addition of Clonidine 2mcg/kg had highest analgesic efficacy when compared to Ropivacaine alone.