Background: Axillary brachial plexus block is used for surgeries on forearm, hand and wrist. By adding α₂  receptor agonist to local anaesthetic drugs we can hastens the onset, duration, quality of sensory and motor block with prolong postoperative analgesia.

Aim: In this study, we studied the effects of adding dexmedetomidine to levobupivacaine for an axillary brachial plexus block.

Setting and Design:  Patients of ASA grade I and II,   age 18 to 60 years of either sex   were enrolled in this prospective study. They were randomly allocated into two groups of thirty each by computerized method.

Methods and Material: Group L received 40 ml of 0.5% levobupivacaine + 1 ml Saline, and Group LD received 40 ml of 0.5% levobupivacaine + 1µg /kg dexmedetomidine.

Statistical analysis: The data was analysed using two independent sample t-tests, chi-square tests and Mann-Whitney U test as applicable.

Result: The onset of sensory and motor block  was earlier in Group LD 8.09 ±0.48 min and 15.54±0.94  min as compared to Group L 10.94 ±0.85  min and16.78 ± 1.13 min (p<0.001) respectively. The mean duration of sensory and motor blockade was 930 min and 810 min in Group LD and  680 min and 546 min in Group L (P<0.001) respectively. The time to rescue analgesia was 1279.50 min in Group LD and752 min in Group L (P <0.001). More patients in group LD had excellent satisfaction than group L (P=0.008).

Conclusions: Adding dexmedetomidine to levobupivacaine for an axillary brachial plexus block shortens both the sensory and motor block onset time, extends the duration of block and analgesia.

Keywords: axillary brachial plexus block, dexmedetomidine, levobupivacaine,

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Bhalerao Pradnya

BJ Medical College