ABSTRACT
Objective@#To evaluated the efficacy of dexmedetomidine (DEX) as a local anesthetic adjuvant for brachial plexus block (BPB).@*Methods@#The PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library was searched on a computer to find randomized controlled trial (RCTs) of the effect of ropivacaine combined with DEX in brachial plexus block. The time limit for searching was from the establishment of the library to December 30, 2017. At the same time retrospective references were included in the literature. Two reviewers independently screened literatureaccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted the data, and assessed the methodological quality of the included studies. Then Meta analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3.@*Results@#A total of 13 RCTs involving 804 patients were included. Meta analysis showed that compared with that in the control group, sensory onset time (MD=-2.06, 95% CI - 3.96-- 0.15, P<0.01), and motoronset time (MD=-2.07, 95% CI- 4.30 - 0.15, P<0.01) were shorter and sensory block duration (MD=166.26, 95%CI 85.57 - 246.96, P<0.01), and motor block duration (MD=137.55, 95%CI 44.73-230.37, P<0.01) were longer in group of dexmedetomindine combined with ropivacaine.Duration of analgesia (MD=224.66, 95%CI 123.82-325.50, P<0.01) was longer in experimental group.@*Conclusions@#DEX combined with ropivacaine in brachial plexus block shortens the onset time and prolongs the duration of bolckade and duration of postoperative analgesia.