Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine With Heavy Bupivacaine in Spinal Anesthesia

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Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine With Heavy Bupivacaine in Spinal Anesthesia

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Introduction: Dexmedetomidine is a highly selective α2 adrenoceptor agonist recently introduced to anesthesia. It produces dose dependent sedation and analgesia without respiratory depression. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of intravenous versus intrathecal low dose dexmedetomidine on bupivacaine spinal block in patients undergoing lower abdomen and lower limb surgeries. Methodology: This prospective randomized clinical study was conducted on 60 patients of age 20 to 60 years posted for elective lower abdomen and lower limb surgeries. All patients were divided into 3 groups of 20 each. Results: Three groups were demographically comparable. Onset of sensoryblockade was statistically not significant between the three groups. Onset of motor blockade was not statistically significant between group A and B but statistically significant when compared with group C. Duration of sensory blockade, duration of analgesia and two segment regression time were significantly prolonged in group A followed by group B when compared with group C. Duration of motor blockadewas significantly prolonged in group Awhen compared with group B and group C. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidinewhen administered intravenously or intrathecallyalong with intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine produced a significant prolongation in the duration of sensory and motor block, but that administered intrathecally produced more significant prolongation of effect than that administered intravenously, with preserved hemodynamic stability and satisfactory arousable sedation.

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