Comparison of Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine and Nalbuphine as an Adjuvant in Hyperbaric Bupivacaine for Saddle Block and Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Perianal Surgeries.

Saddle block is the most commonly used anaesthetic technique for perianal surgeries in adults. Perianal surgeries under saddle block are considered as day care surgeries. Major disadvantage is that the low volume of spinally given drug won’t prolong duration of postoperative analgesia. Inj. Dexmedetomidine (α2-Adrenoceptor agonist) and Inj. Nalbuphine (opioid agonist-antagonist) were studied as an adjuvant as to whether they increase the duration of post-operative analgesia. Secondary objectives of this study were to compare hemodynamic stability and side effects among Inj. Dexmedetomidine and Inj. Nalbuphine. METHODSA total of 60 patients with American Society of Anaesthesiologist physical Status I and II scheduled for elective perianal surgeries were randomly allocated into two equal groups in this randomized prospective comparative study. Group D received 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.8 mL + 5 mcg dexmedetomidine and group N received 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.8 mL + 0.6 mg nalbuphine. Onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade, and duration of analgesia were recorded. Post-operative analgesic consumption and side effects were studied for 24 hours. Statistical analysis was done by using descriptive and inferential statistics using Chi- square test and Student’s t-test. RESULTSDemographic characteristics, duration of surgery, onset of sensory and motor block were comparable. Duration of analgesia was 320.26 ± 89.52 min for dexmedetomidine (D) whereas it was 222.23 ± 25.43 min for nalbuphine (N) with a P value of <0.05. No side effects were noted. CONCLUSIONA dose of 5 mcg dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant seems to be optimal for providing postoperative analgesia with better hemodynamic stability.

Serial pulmonary function test abnormality in tuberculous pleural effusion

Background: Pleural effusion is a common clinical problem that frequently causes dyspnoea and poor ventilatory function. In addition to fluid, pleural thickening, septations and calcifications can add to the functional deterioration of lungs. The drainage of pleural effusion is very effective in improving the functionality of lungs. Large volume pleural fluid tapping results in immediate hemodynamic improvement and relief from dyspnoea.Methods: The aim of the present study was to estimate the impact of tubercular pleural effusion on the ventilatory function of the lungs and to find out the correlation between the effect of pleural tapping and functional effect on the lungs. The study comprised of thirty tubercular pleural effusion cases. They were observed for six months by doing serial chest X-rays and pulmonary function test.Results: It was observed that tuberculous pleural effusion causes a restrictive abnormality and small airway obstruction. These abnormalities improve gradually over a period of six months when the patient is on anti-tubercular treatment. The role of any therapeutic intervention towards decreasing these lung function abnormalities will be subject of separate large-scale prospective study.Conclusions: Functional defects and residual pleural thickening has no correlation with the initial severity of pleural effusion.