A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EFFECT OF INTRAVENOUS DEXMEDETOMIDINE VS. PLACEBO BEFORE BRACHIAL PLEXUS BLOCK ON PATIENT SATISFACTION AND SUCCESS OF BLOCK

The brachial plexus block(BPB) has gained importance as regional anaesthetic technique for upper limb surgery. The primary aim of our study was to evaluate the addition of intravenous dexmedetomidine before BPB on overall patient satisfaction and sucess with objective of comparing the onset and duration of block, haemodynamic stability and sedation score. A randomized double blind prospective study was carried out on seventy patients of ASA grade I to III of either sex aged between 18 – 65 years scheduled for upper limb orthopaedic surgeries under BPB Who were randomly allocated into two groups: Group D (Dexmedetomedine) received Inj dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg in intravenous 100 ml saline and Group P (Placebo) received intravenous 100 ml saline started 10 min before block. Onset and duration of block, quality of block, Haemodynamic variables, time to first rescue analgesics in post-op period, Sedation score, VAS score and Incidence of side effects and complications were recorded. Statistical analysis was done using Graph pad software. Hemodynamic variables, sedation score and satisfaction scores were analyzed by z-test, while qualitative data were analyzed by Chi-square test. Result:  Mean Sedation score was significantly higher in group D while mean pulse rate and mean arterial pressure were significantly lower in group D than group P. The Quality of block was significantly higher(p=0.0314) in group D (88.57%) than group P(80%).  Overall Patient satisfaction was higher(p=0.0008) in group D than  group P. Conclusion: The addition of dexmedetomidine as a premedication before BPB improves patient satisfaction, with stable hemodynamics, high quality of block and comfortable sedation without any significant side effect.