Brachial Plexus Block Using Bupivacaine with Midazolam and Bupivacaine Alone in Upper Limb Surgeries

What is it about?

Brachial Plexus Block Using Bupivacaine with Midazolam and Bupivacaine Alone in Upper Limb Surgeries

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Photo by The Unmistakables on Unsplash

Photo by The Unmistakables on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Introduction: Upper limb surgeries can be done under general anesthesia. However, using Brachial plexus block is a better alternative. This method provides good muscular relaxation and also maintains intraoperative hemodynamics at a stable level. Aim of the study: To study the effect of Midazolam added to brachial plexus block by supraclavicular approach. Materials and methods: This was a prospective, randomized, single blinded study. A total of 100ASA Grade I or II adult patients who underwent upper limb surgeries under supraclavicular brachial plexus block were studied. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups of 50 each. Patients in Group B received 30 mL of 0.375% Bupivacaine and Group BM received 30 mL of 0.375% Bupivacaine with preservative free Midazolam 0.05 mg/kg. The onset time and duration of sensory and motor blockade were noted. The patients were observed for 24 hours postoperatively for hemodynamic variables, sedation scores and rescue analgesic requirements. Results: Group BM showed significantly quicker onset of sensory and motor block than Group B (p < 0.05). Group BM also had significantly longer duration of sensory and motor block (p < 0.05). Group BM had significantly less requirements for rescue analgesia (p < 0.05). Both groups showed similar hemodynamics and sedation scores postoperatively. Conclusion: Midazolam (0.05 mg/kg) in combination with 30 mL of Bupivacaine (0.375%) hastened onset of sensory and motor block, and improved postoperative analgesia when used in brachial plexus block, without producing any adverse events.

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