Comparative study of bupivacaine alone and bupivacaine along with buprenorphine in axillary brachial plexus block: a prospective, randomized, single blind study

Background: Different additives have been used to prolong brachial plexus block. We performed a prospective, randomized single-blind study to compare Bupivacaine alone and Bupivacaine along with Buprenorphine for onset, quality, and duration of block as well as post-operative analgesia and any complication in axillary brachial- plexus block. Methods: Randomized controlled study was carried out among 60 patients of either sex, aged 20-60 years. ASA grade I or II undergoing elective hand, forearm, elbow surgery under axillary brachial plexus block. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. Group-l received 30 ml of 0.35% Bupivacaine alone in axillary block. Group-II received 30 ml of 0.35% Bupivacaine with 3?g/kg Buprenorphine in axillary block. Time taken for onset and completion of motor and sensory block as well as complete duration of block were noted in both groups. Any complication during procedure, during surgery as well as post-operatively were noted and treated. Results: Addition of Buprenorphine (3?g/kg) to Bupivacaine mixture in peripheral nerve block did not affected the onset time for motor as well as sensory block. Mean duration of motor block was 284.33±78.94 mins. in group I and in group II 307.33±60.26 mins. Mean duration of sensory block 305.066±83.64 mins. in group I while 580.166±111.45 mins. in group II. It suggests duration of sensory block was prolonged in group II then group I. Conclusions: Addition of Buprenorphine to local anesthetic drug provides good post-operative analgesia. Buprenorphine significantly prolongs sensory block and lengthens duration of analgesia without prolonging duration of motor block. [Int J Basic Clin Pharmacol 2013; 2(5.000): 640-644]