Comparison of clonidine adjuvants to ropivacaine in subclavian perivascular approach of supra clavicular brachial plexus block

Introduction: Brachial plexus block is sole anesthesia for upper limb surgeries. Several techniques have been used to prolong the duration of regional anesthesia. The aim of the study: To compare the effectiveness of Clonidine as adjuvants to Ropivacaine in supraclavicular Brachial plexus block for prolonging the duration of motor blockade and prolonging the duration of analgesia. Materials and methods: 60 Patients of ASA grade I and II undergoing upper limb surgeries were randomly assigned into two groups R and RC. Surgery was done under the subclavian perivascular approach of supraclavicular brachial plexus block. The patients in group R received 25 ml at 0.75% Ropivacaine with 1 ml Normal saline. In a group RC received 25 ml at 0.75% Ropivacaine and 1 ml of (150 micrograms) clonidine. Parameters observed were a time of onset at the sensory block and motor block, duration of motor blockade, and sensory blockade, duration of postoperative analgesia, sedation score and side effects. Results: Addition of clonidine to Ropivacaine shows early onset of motor blockade compared to Ropivacaine alone. Addition of clonidine to local anesthetic solution significantly prolongs the duration of postoperative analgesia by 276 minutes compared to Ropivacaine alone. Addition of clonidine to Ropivacaine increased the duration of motor blockade by 132 minutes compared to Ropivacaine alone. Conclusion: The addition of clonidine to the local anesthetic in supraclavicular brachial plexus produces the early onset of sensory and motor blockade and prolongs the duration of both sensory and motor blockade and postoperative analgesia, when compared to Ropivacaine alone.