In traoperative efficacy of addition of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to local Anaesthetic in subarachnoid block

Introduction: Local anaesthetic agent when injected intrathecally provides excellent anaesthesia and analgesia. The aim of our study was to investigate the efficacy of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to local anaesthetic bupivacaine, given intrathecally for intra-operative as well as for post-operative analgesia. Method: A total of Hundred adult patients of ASA grade I&II, undergoing lower limb and lower abdominal surgeries under sub-arachnoid block were selected. Group A(n=50) were given 2.5ml of 0.5% hyperbaric Bupivacaine and 1ml of 0.9% normal saline intrathecally. Group B (n=50) were given 2.5ml of 0.5% Bupivacaine and 10micrograms of Dexmedetomidine. In both groups total volume of drug was 3.5 ml. Time for onset of sensory block, time taken to peak sensory block, total duration of analgesia and time taken to maximum motor blockade were noted. Haemodynamic parameters were also assessed. Result: Statistically significant decrease in mean heart rate, systolic and mean diastolic B.P was seen in group B. Fast onset of sensory blockade, fast achievement of peak sensory blockade, prolong duration of analgesia and less time to achieve maximum motor blockade are statistically significant in group B as compared to group A. Conclusion: Addition of Dexmedetomidine to Bupivacaine for intrathecal injection leads to fast and dense neuraxial block and the hypotension is within physiological limits.