Comparison Between Dexamethasone and Fentanyl as an Adjuvant to Bupivacaine and Lignocaine in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block for Upper Limb Surgery

Objective: To compare the effects of dexamethasone and fentanyl when added to a mixture of bupivacaine and lignocaine in supraclavicular blocks in patients undergoing forearm surgeries. Methods: Sixty-six patients aged between 20 to 60 years old belonging to ASA one or two were recruited prospectively, double-blinded, and randomized way. Supraclavicular block under sonographic guidance was performed in the three groups by using injection bupivacaine (0.5%) 20 cc + injection lignocaine (2%) 10 cc + injection 0.9% normal saline; 2ml (Group S), injection bupivacaine (0.5%) 20 cc + injection lignocaine (2%) 10 cc + injection dexamethasone 8 mg (Group D), and injection bupivacaine (0.5%) 20 cc + injection lignocaine (2%) 10 cc + injection fentanyl 50 µgm (Group F). The onset time of sensory and motor block, duration of sensory and motor block, and hemodynamic variables were recorded. Results: Group D showed a significantly greater sensory and motor block duration than other groups (P = 0.001). Comparison of hemodynamic variables failed to reveal any statistically significant differences between all the groups. Conclusion: Both dexamethasone and fentanyl are good adjuvants in the supraclavicular block, but dexamethasone is better, given faster onset and duration of analgesia.

Study of Hemodynamic Effects of Preoperative Single-Bolus Dexmedetomidine in Elective Laparoscopic Surgeries

Objective: To observe the hemodynamic effects of a single bolus dose of dexmedetomidine in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic surgeries.Methods: A total of 60 adult patients were randomized into two groups of 30 each. Group D patients were given 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine in 50 mL of saline as a single-dose infusion over 10 min before induction. Group S patients were given a 50-mL 0.9% NS slow infusion over 10 min. Groups D and S patients were premedicated 10 min prior to surgery. Baseline vital and hemodynamic parameters were monitored during the perioperative period. Conclusion: Premedicating with a single bolus of 1 µg/kg IV dexmedetomidine has been proven safe and effective in maintaining perioperative hemodynamic stability, although few developed bradycardia and hypotension, which were managed without any adverse outcome. Furthermore, dexmedetomidine effectively reduced the incidence of shivering.