European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Choice of anaesthesia for surgery below the umbilicus is Subarachnoid block
with Bupivacaine traditionally. Dexmedetomidine is being used with Ropivacaine to avoid
side effects of Bupivacaine. The objective of this study is to compare the groups (group 1-
only Ropivacaine and group 2- Ropivacaine with Dexmedetomidine) with respect to
duration of sensory block and motor block, sedation, and complications.
Material and Methods: This is a prospective observational study and 30 patients in each
group were included. Duration of sensory block and motor block, scale of sedation and
complications were looked for. Patients with bradycardia, AV block, using beta blockers,
calcium channel blockers or anti-arrhythmic and hepatic or renal dysfunction were
excluded. Mean and standard deviation for continuous variables, frequencies and
percentages for categorial variables were determined. Chi-Square test, Paired T test,
Independent T test or Unpaired Test, and Wilcoxon Sum Rank Test were done.
Results: Mean age and weight of the group-1 were 38.80±4.2years and 62.23±5.43 kg and
that of group-2 were 39.67±5.9 years and 63.45±6.23 kg respectively. Mean duration of
sensory and motor blockade of the group-1 were 189±18.2 minutes and 158±18.77 minutes
respectively and that of group-2 were 230±19.7 minutes and 189±21.34 minutes
respectively (p<0.001). Ramsay sedation scores in the group with only Ropivacaine was 1.7
± 0.3 while in Dexmedetomidine group was 2.4±0.3 (p<0.001). 13 patients experienced
hypotension, 5 were from only Ropivacaine group and 8 were from Dexmedetomidine
group(p<0.001). 12 patients experienced bradycardia among which 4 were from only
Ropivacaine group and 8 from Dexmedetomidine group(p<0.001).
Conclusion: Intravenous dexmedetomidine in patients getting 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine
for subarachnoid block, increases time to two dermatomal regression of sensory blockade,
duration of sensory block, duration of motor block and provides good sedation.