Comparison of 0.5% lignocaine vs 0.5% lignocaine plus 0.25% tramadol in intravenous regional anaesthesia

ABSTRACT

To compare the quality, onset and duration of intravenous regional anaesthesia [IVRA] with 0.5% lignocaine plus tramadol and 0.5% lignocaine alone. A comparative, double blind, randomized, prospective study. Orthopaedic operating rooms, Nishtar Medical Institution, Multan, Pakistan, from June 2005 to June 2006. In our of 60 adult ASA class I and II patients undergoing upper limb surgeries in patients were divided in two groups having 30 patients in each. We used tramadol, a weak opioid as a component of IVRA with lignocaine to suppress intra-operative pain and enhance postoperative analgesia. Patients received IVRA with 40ml of 0.5% lignocaine to which either 100mg tramadol or saline was added. The onset of anaesthesia and recovery was compared by loss and regain of sensations. Tramadol with lignocaine was found to be significantly better for rapid onset and quality of anaesthesia compared to lignocaine alone and devoid of opioid related side effects. We conclude that tramadol as a component of IVRA is significantly better adjunct to lignocaine