​Comparison Of Dexamethasone And Tramadol As Adjuvant To Levobupivacaine In Supraclavicular Block: A Clinical Study

Background: Application of supraclavicular block mostly includes surgery of elbow, forearm, and hand. The present study wasconducted to evaluate and compare dexamethasone and tramadol as an adjuvant to levobupivacaine in supraclavicular block.Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 60 patients of the American Society of Anaesthesiologists Grade Iand II of age group of 18–60 years of either sex. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 30) in which 30 ml of 0.5%levobupivacaine hydrochloride plus 2 ml tramadol (100 mg) was administered and Group B (n = 30) in which 30 ml of 0.5%levobupivacaine hydrochloride plus 2 ml dexamethasone (8 mg) was administered. Both groups were compared statistically.Results: The mean age ± standard deviation in Group A males was 40.2 ± 12.45 years and in females was 41.3 ± 12.10 yearsand, in Group B, males was 42.1 ± 11.61 years and in females was 41.6 ± 11.33 years. The difference was non-significant(P > 0.05). We found significant difference in onset of sensory block, motor onset, duration of sensory block, motor block,duration of surgery, and duration of analgesia in both the groups (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Dexamethasone is a better adjuvant than tramadol when added to levobupivacaine in supraclavicular brachialplexus block for upper limb surgeries as it is faster in onset and it prolongs the duration of analgesia, sensory, and motorblockade and results in better satisfaction score.