Supraclavicular brachial plexus block with and without dexamethasone - a comparative study.

ABSTRACT

To compare the analgesic efficacy of local aesthetic with and without dexamethasone in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. METHODS: Forty patients undergoing arm, forearm and hand surgeries were randomly selected. The forty patients were divided in two groups of 20 each. In-group one, a brachial plexus block was done with 40-50 ml of local anaesthetic with 1200,000 adrenaline and in the other group the block was performed with the same amount of local anaesthetics with dexamethasone. The onset of action and duration of analgesia in the two groups were compared and any complications of the procedure were noted. Statistical analysis was done using the independent sample t-test. RESULTS: The two groups were comparable in respect to age, sex, and weight. There was significant faster onset of action and prolonged duration of analgesia in the dexamethasone group than in the other group. There were no complications. CONCLUSION: Addition of dexamethasone for brachial plexus block significantly prolongs the duration of analgesia without any unwanted effects.