Bupivacaine Alone Used in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block for Upper Limb Surgeries

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Bupivacaine Alone Used in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block for Upper Limb Surgeries

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Introduction: Regional nerve blocks of the upper extremity avoid the polypharmacy and stress of laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation associated with general anaesthesia. Drug administration at the supraclavicular level offers comprehensive anaesthesia for the complete limb. Post-operative analgesia may be provided by either adding additives to the local anaesthetics or placing a catheter in place. Clonidine (alpha 2 adrenergic receptor agonist) is a classic additive to local anaesthetic in various regional procedures. Aim: To compare efficacy of clonidine added as an adjuvant to bupivacaine with plain bupivacaine alone in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Methodology: Fifty ASA I and II patients coming for upper limb surgeries were assigned randomly into two equal groups. Group S: received 35 ml of 0.25% Bupivacaine and 0.5 ml of normal saline 0.9%. Group C: received 35 ml of 0.25% Bupivacaine and Clonidine 75mcg (0.5 ml). Onset and duration of sensory and motor blockade and complications, if any were documented. Results: Demographic variables were comparable. There was a statistically significant faster onset and prolonged duration of block in clonidine group when compared to plain bupivacaine (p<0.05). Clonidine also produced sedation which however did not require any clinical intervention. Conclusion: We conclude that clonidine causes earlier onset, prolongs the duration of sensory and motor block with sedation and without any significant clinical side effects when added to bupivacaine in brachial plexus block

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