COMPARATIVE STUDY OF DIFFERENT DOSES OF DEXMEDETOMIDINE IN SPINAL ANAESTHESIA IN LOWER LIMB ORTHOPAEDIC PROCEDURES

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Spinal Anaesthesia is the most commonly used as it is very economical, easy to administer and safe. Dexmedetomidine, an alpha-adrenoreceptor agonist, is being used as a neuraxial adjuvant as it provides stable hemodynamic conditions, good quality of intra-operative and prolongs post-operative analgesia with minimal side effects. This study is aimed to assess the effect of intrathecal administration of different doses of dexmedetomidine with hyperbaric bupivacaine on the duration of sensory and motor block, side effects produced by spinal anaesthesia in lower limb orthopaedic surgeries. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A randomized double blind study is planned in 90 patients divided in 3 groups. Group A, B and C patients received inj. Bupivacaine (12.5mg) with normal saline, with dexmedetomidine (5 mu g) and with dexmedetomidine (10 mu g) respectively. Hemodynamic data were recorded after every 5 min for 30 minutes than after every 15 min. Degree of motor block (Bromage 1), sensory block, time of regression of sensory block, side effects were assessed. RESULT: Dexmedetomidine (10 mu g) prolonged time for two segment regression. Effect was greater in group C (Dex 10 mu g) than group B (Dex 5 mu g) as well as higher sedation scores achieved intraoperatively. Hemodynamic stability was maintained in all the three groups. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine in different doses prolongs the anaesthetic effect of intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine. A 10 mu g dose may be of benefit for prolonged duration of surgery.