Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant for Intravenous Regional Anesthesia in Upper Limb Surgeries

BACKGROUND: Intravenous regional anaesthesia is a simple, safe and effective technique with good success rate for upper limb surgeries. The duration of postoperative analgesia is an important limitation of this technique. Various adjuvants have been used to overcome this drawback. In this study we evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine 0.5 μgkg(-1) as an adjuvant for lignocaine intravenous regional anaesthesia. METHODS: Sixty patients scheduled to undergo upper limb surgery were randomised to receive intravenous regional anaesthesia with lignocaine alone (Group L) or lignocaine with dexmedetomidine 0.5 μgkg(-1) (Group LD). The quality of anaesthesia, onset of sensory and motor blocks and duration of postoperative analgesia were noted. RESULTS: The onset of sensory and motor block was significantly rapid in group LD compared to group L (Group LD v/s Group L, sensory block: 2.5min ± 0.5v/s6.34min ± 0.7; motor block: 8.5min ± 1.05v/s14.78min ± 0.6; P < 0.001). The quality of anaesthesia was superior in group LD compared to group L and the duration of postoperative analgesia was also longer in group LD. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine 0.5 μkg(-1) as an adjuvant to lignocaine for IVRA shortens the onset of sensory and motor blocks, improves the quality of anaesthesia and provides longer postoperative analgesia.