P. Srikaruna Bharathi1, J. Sambasiva Rao2, R. Pandu Naik3, Srikanth4, Radha Ramana Murthy5
BACKGROUND
Low doses of dexmedetomidine have shown effectiveness in intensifying spinal anaesthesia. So, dexmedetomidine along with local anaesthetics improves the quality of intraoperative analgesia and also provide postoperative pain relief for longer duration.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
To compare the effect of intrathecal 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine only and 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with dexmedetomidine in patients undergoing elective gynaecological surgeries.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
100 ASA grade I/II female patients aged between 18-60 years undergoing elective gynaecological surgeries were selected and divided into two groups of 50 each. Group “D” received 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 12.5 mg (2.5 mL) + 0.5 mL normal saline containing 5 μg dexmedetomidine (Total volume 3 mL). Group “B” received 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine 12.5 mg + 0.5 mL of normal saline (Total volume 3 mL). The following parameters were checked and compared for both the groups onset of sensory block and motor block, highest level of sensory blockade, duration of analgesia, vitals and side effects.
RESULTS
There was statistically significant variation with regard to the onset of sensory and motor block between the two groups. Majority of group D patients achieved higher sensory levels 52% attained T6 level and in group B 48% attained T8 level. The time for two segment regression was considerably prolonged in group D was 126.7 minutes and in group B was 86.7 minutes. Time to full sensory recovery was 310 minutes in group D and 184 minutes in group B. Time to motor recovery was prolonged in group D with 279.9 minutes compared to group B 163.4 minutes. Duration of complete analgesia in group D was 337.5 minutes and in group B was 190.2 minutes. Effective analgesia in group D was 367.7 mins. and in group B was 207.3 mins. thereby reducing the requirement of analgesics in the early postoperative period. Patient maintained haemodynamic stability and no other side effects.
CONCLUSION
Dexmedetomidine potentiates bupivacaine spinal anaesthesia by improving the quality of intraoperative and postoperative analgesia.
