RESUMEN
Background: Brachial plexus blockade is a technique used for providing anaesthesia and post-operative analgesia for upper limb surgeries. Among the various approaches, supraclavicular approach is considered safest and most effective. Addition of adjuvants, not only prolongs the analgesic effect but also improves the quality of anaesthesia. Aim And Objectives –The study was undertaken to compare between Clonidine and Dexmedetomidine as adjuvants to 0.25% Bupivacaine in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus block. Methods: The study was conducted in Gandhi Hospital, Secunderabad after obtaining approval from institutional ethical committee and written informed consent from each patient. Sixty patients aged 18-50 years undergoing upper limb surgeries were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups of 30 patients each. Group C (Clonidine) – received conventional supraclavicular brachial plexus block with 40 ml of 0.25% Bupivacaine and 0.5 μg/kg of Clonidine. Group D (Dexmedetomidine) – received conventional supraclavicular brachial plexus block with 40ml of 0.25% Bupivacaine and 0.5 μg/kg of Dexmedetomidine. The onset of sensory and motor blockade were noted. Intra-op haemodynamics, post-op pain and side effects were assessed at regular intervals. Results: The duration of analgesia is prolonged with Dexmedetomidine as compared to Clonidine with no significant difference either in onset of sensory and motor blockade or in hemodynamic variables. The only side-effect observed was hypotension in Clonidine group. Conclusion: We conclude that Dexmedetomidine has prolonged duration of analgesia with no side effects as compared to Clonidine.