# Duration of Anesthesia with Dexmedetomidine as Adjuvant to Ropivacaine in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block: An Observational Study

## TL;DR

This study found that adding dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine in a brachial plexus block significantly prolongs anesthesia duration for upper limb surgeries.

## Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence on the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to ropivacaine in brachial plexus blocks.

## Key findings

- The mean duration of anesthesia was 592.42 minutes with a 95% confidence interval.
- Sensory and motor block durations were 553.95 and 555.42 minutes, respectively.
- Dexmedetomidine accelerated the onset of sensory and motor block.

## Abstract

Supraclavicular brachial plexus block is effective for upper limb surgeries, with ropivacaine offering prolonged action. Adding dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant may enhance block duration and quality. This study aimed to evaluate the mean duration of anesthesia with dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus blocks.

An observational cross-section study was conducted among patients undergoing supraclavicular brachial plexus block for elective upper limb surgery in a tertiary care center. The block was performed using ultrasound-guided, single-injection technique with 0.25% ropivacaine and 0.5 ^g/kg dexmedetomidine. Sensory and motor block durations, along with analgesia, were assessed using standardized scales. A convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. An ethical approval was taken from Institutional review Committee (Reference number: 026-077/078).

The mean duration of anesthesia was 592.42±137.73 minutes (548.62-636.21, 95% Confidence Interval). Sensory and motor block durations were 553.95±138.54 and 555.42±156.24 minutes, respectively, with median onset times of 15 (IQR: 5-22.5) and 24 (IQR: 17-30) minutes.

The mean duration of anesthesia with dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus blocks was similar to other studies showing prolonged duration and accelerated sensory and motor block.