Vasantha Kumar K. R 1 , Ushadevi R 2 , Komala H. K 3 , Chaitra G. V 4 , Bhavya P 5
ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION: The established methods of interscalene block were based on either proper motor response on paresthesia or nerve stimulation technique. In this study, we compared with nerve stimulator for interscalene blocks using 20ml of 0.75% ropivacaine and 20ml of 0.75% ropivacaine with 50 mcg of fentanyl. The aim of our study is to compare duration of sensory and motor blockade by adding fentanyl. METHODS: A total of 60 patients receiving interscalene block were randomly allocated to Group A who received 20ml 0.75% ropivacaine and Group B who received 20ml 0.75% Ropivacaine with 50 mcg of fentanyl. The onset of sensory and motor blocks, duration of sensory and motor block and time of rescue analgesia were observed. RESULTS: The onset of sensory block in group A (2.5±0.5) and in group B (2.38±0.43) (p=0.3231) and onset of motor block in group A (5.8±3.53) and in group B (5.1±2.8) (p=0.3983) which is not significant. The duration of sensory block in group A (6.4±0.35) and in group B (9.5±1.0) (p<0.0001). The duration of motor block in group A (5.17±0.8) and in group B (8.4±1.53) (p<0.0001) and the duration of rescue analgesia required in group A (7.10±0.25) and in group B (8.4±1.53) (p<0.0001). All the three parameters compared were extremely statistically significant. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the interscalene block using nerve stimulator technique with 20ml of 0.75% Ropivacaine with fentanyl 50 mcg significantly prolongs duration of sensory, motor blockade and time of requirement of rescue analgesia.
