Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block: Comparison of Varying Doses of Nalbuphine Combined with Levobupivacaine: A Prospective, Double-blind, Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The ideal dose of nalbuphine for brachial plexus block (BPB) is a matter of debate. This study was carried out to evaluate 5 mg or 10 mg of nalbuphine added to 0.375% levobupivacaine, with regard to the duration of analgesia. Our study also sought to assess the onset and duration of sensorimotor blockade, hemodynamic effects, sedation, and adverse effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred adult patients undergoing upper-limb surgeries under supraclavicular BPB were randomly allocated into two groups. Group LN5 received 29 ml of 0.375% levobupivacaine plus 5 mg of nalbuphine diluted in 1 ml of normal saline. Group LN10 received 29 ml of 0.375% levobupivacaine plus 10 mg of nalbuphine diluted in 1 ml of normal saline. Onset and duration of sensorimotor blockade, hemodynamic variables, duration of analgesia, and adverse effects were recorded. The data were analyzed with Students t-test and Chi-square test. RESULTS: Onset of sensory block and motor block was 10.57 ± 3.5 and 17.16 ± 1.3 min, respectively, in Group LN5, while it was 8.64 ± 1.7 and 14.3 ± 1.2 min, respectively, in Group LN10. The duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged in Group LN10 compared to Group LN5 (833.55 ± 141.6 vs. 698.44 ± 138.6 min; P = 0.001). Postoperative visual analog scale value at 24 h was significantly lower in Group LN10 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A higher dose of nalbuphine in BPB hastens the onset, and prolongs the duration of sensorimotor blockade and analgesia, without any significant side effects.