SUPPLEMENTING ROPIVACAINE WITH DEXMEDETOMIDINE IN SUPRACLAVICULAR BRACHIAL PLEXUS BLOCK.

Background: The supraclavicular brachial plexus block (SBPB) stands as a highly efficient regional anesthesia technique predominantly utilized for upper limb surgeries. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of incorporating dexmedetomidine (DEX) as a supplement to ropivacaine (Rop) in SBPB management. Methods: The study involved sixty participants meeting inclusion criteria for scheduled surgery and preanesthetic assessment was carried out. Exclusion criteria included various medical conditions and hypersensitivity to study drugs. Participants were randomly assigned to three categories: Category C (Rop only), Category D (Rop with dexmedetomidine), and Category D-IV (DEX only). Assessment parameters included sensory and motor block (SMB) onset times, duration of surgery, quality of anesthesia, pain scores, and adverse events. Statistical analysis was also employed. Results: Demographic attributes were similar across the categories (p > 0.05). Category D demonstrated significantly shorter SMB onset times compared to Category C (p < 0.05). Additionally, Category D exhibited a greater proportion of patients with excellent anaesthesia as compared to Category C and Category D-IV (p < 0.05). Post-operative pain scores were notably lower in Category D compared to Category C and Category D-IV (p < 0.05), with a prolonged duration of analgesia (p < 0.05). Adverse events and sedation scores did not show significant differences among the categories (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The addition of DEX to Rop in SBPB enhances anesthesia quality, accelerates SMB onset, extends the duration of analgesia, and diminishes post-operative pain scores without elevating adverse events. Recommendations: The combination therapy of ropivacaine and DEX could be considered to enhance the efficacy and safety of regional anesthesia techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]