Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine as Adjuvant for Bupivacaine in Subarachnoid Block for Lower Abdominal and Lower Limb surgeries

<p>Context: Spinal Anaesthesia is the most common anaesthetic technique used for lower abdominal and lower limb surgeries. Dexmedetomidine is a selective &alpha; agonist, which is known to prolong the action of local anaesthetics when administered as an intravenous infusion or when administered 2 intrathecally.</p> <p><strong>Aims:</strong> To investigate the effect of intrathecal administration of dexmedetomidine on sensory, motor block and haemodynamic parameters.</p> <p><strong>Settings and Design:</strong> Prospective Randomised Controlled Double Blind study. Methods and Material: 100 patients were randomly allocated to two groups. Patients in Group N received 2ml of hyperbaric bupivacaine + 1 ml normal saline and Group D received 2 ml of hyperbaric bupivacaine + 5 &mu;g dexmedetomidine in 1 ml normal saline.</p> <p>Statistical analysis used: Paired Ttest, Independent T test, Chi square test</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> Duration of sensory blockade was significantly prolonged in Group D (317.2&plusmn; 90.27 minutes) when compared to Group N (204.26&plusmn; 84.77 minutes). The median cephalad level of sensory block achieved was T7 (range -T5-T10) in group D and in group N it was T9 (range - T6-T12). The regression of motor blockade to Bromage score 0 was significantly prolonged in Group D (323.14&plusmn;93.43) in comparison to Group N (206.98&plusmn; 88).</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Intrathecal dexmedetomidine is an effective adjuvant and prolongs the duration of motor and sensory blockade with minimal side effects.</p>