Haemodynamic effects of intrathecal dexmedetomidine added to ropivacaine intraoperatively and for postoperative analgesia

Background: For lower abdomen and lower limb surgery, spinal anaesthesia is most common modality used in routine. This study was conducted on 50 ASA 1 and 2 planned for lower limb and lower abdomen surgery. Methods: 50 patients of ASA 1 and 2 scheduled for lower limb and lower abdominal surgery were selected. Each patient received 4 milliliter volume of 0.75% isobaric ropivacaine + 5 microgram dexmedetomidine. At the intervals of 1 minute, 2 minute, 5 minute, 10 minute, 20 minute, 30 minute and 1 hour, 2 hour and 3 hour reading of pulse rate and blood pressure were recorded. Postoperatively, pain scores were recorded by using Visual Analogue Scale. Results: There were no significant changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure after induction. The combination of ropivacaine and dexmedetomidine provided better postoperative analgesia and reduced requirement of diclofenac injection in first 24 hour. Conclusions: The patients showed excellent hemodynamic stability and postoperative analgesia to ropivacaine + dexmedetomidine. Thus it is a safe modality for lower limb and lower abdomen surgery as far as haemodynamic effects and postoperative analgesia is concerned. [Int J Basic Clin Pharmacol 2013; 2(1.000): 26-29]