Abstract

Background: 
Spinal anaesthesia remains one of the basic techniques despite the waxing and waning of its popularity over last 100 years since its introduction various agents have been used with local anaesthetics in spinal anaesthesia to improve the quality of block and to provide prolonged postoperative analgesia.
AIM: In the present study, we tried to study effectiveness of intrathecal 0.5% bupivacaine (heavy) alone and with Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant for lower limb and lower abdominal surgeries.
Material and Methods: The study was conducted in the department of anaesthesiology, KIMS, Narketpally during Oct 2021 to Sep2022.This study was a prospective, randomised controlled, single blind, study conducted in 60 patients of ASA grade I and II undergoing elective surgeries. The patients were divided by random number table into two groups, containing 30 patients in each group. Dosages of drugs selected are divided as Group B: Patients received 3 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (15mg) and Group BD: Patients received 3 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (15mg) plus 5 µg Dexmedetomidine. Spinal block characteristics, haemodynamics and side effects were observed.
Results: It was found that in Dexmedetomidine group time to reach T10 sensory blockade and complete motor blockade and was earlier and a higher and prolonged when compared to the control group. Haemodynamic parameters were preserved both intra-operatively and postoperatively. There were a small percentage of patients who had minor side effects.
Conclusion: Intrathecal low dose Dexmedetomidine in a dose of 5µg along with 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine given intrathecally prolongs significantly the duration of sensory and motor blockade