Title: Comparative Study of Analgesic and Hemodynamic Effects of Intrathecal Administration of 0.75% Ropivacaine and Dexmedetomidin with 0.75% Ropivacaine  alone in Elective Lower Limb Orthopaedic  Surgeries

Authors: Dr Archana M, Dr Gangadhar

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i1.126

Abstract

Background: Dexmedetomidine, a selective α2-adrenergic agonistic provides additional analgesic action along with local anaesthetics in spinal anaesthesia.

Aims and Objectives: To assess the analgesic and hemodynamic effects of intrathecal administration of Ropivacaine 0.75% alone versus Ropivacaine 0.75% with 5 mcg of Dexmedetomidine in elective lower limb orthopedic surgeries.

Material and Methods: After approval of ethical committee, 120 patients who were scheduled for elective lower limb orthopedic surgeries were selected and randomized in 2 groups: In , Group 1,  3 ml volume of 0.75% isobaric Ropivacaine  with 0.5ml normal saline to make 3.5ml , was administered . In Group 2 , 3 ml volume of 0.75% isobaric Ropivacaine with 5 μg Dexmedetomidine to make a volume of 3.5ml was administered .Onset of sensory block , analgesic effects and hemodynamic effects were compared between the 2 groups.

Results: Onset of sensory bock was 5.17 ± 0.7 minutes for only Ropivacaine group and 4.63 ± 0.61 for Ropivacaine with Dexmedetomidine group. Time taken by block to reach maximum level was 11.87 ± 1.36 minutes for  only Ropivacaine group and  11.68 ±  1.24 minutes  for Ropivacaine with Dexmedetomidine group. Time taken by block for  two segment regression from highest sensory level was  65.3  ± 1.68 minutes for  only Ropivacaine group and  125.87  ±  1.74  minutes  for Ropivacaine with Dexmedetomidine group. Mean time of required for first dose of rescue analgesia was 244.33  ± 2.83 minutes for  only Ropivacaine group and  466.23 ±  2.4  minutes  for Ropivacaine with Dexmedetomidine group. Mean Highest pain score on VAS was 4.9 ± 0.8 for only Ropivacaine group and  3.8 ± 0.66  for Ropivacaine with Dexmedetomidine group. Number of Diclofenac injections in first 24 hrs postoperatively was 3.73 ± 0.64 for  only Ropivacaine group and  1 ± 0.59  for Ropivacaine with Dexmedetomidine group. Blood pressure and Heart rate were significantly lower in Ropivacaine with Dexmedetomidine group compared to only Ropivacaine group.

Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine (5 μg ) as an adjunct to Ropivacaine  is superior to Ropivacaine alone in intrathecal analgesia .It augments onset of action , prolongs sensory blockade and reduces requirement rescue analgesics. Its hemodynamic side effects can be treated with vasopressors.

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Corresponding Author

Dr Archana M

MBBS, DNB, Anesthesia, Senior Resident, Department of Anesthesiology

Sri Siddartha Medical College, Tumkur