Comparative Study of Dexmedetomidine and Fentanyl for Epidural Analgesia for Lower Limb Orthopaedic Surgeries

context comparison of two drugs for analgesia in lower limb orthopaedic surgeries along with ropivacaine. AimThis study was carried out to evaluate and compare the effect of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl when combined with ropivacaine administered via epidural route for lower limb orthopaedic surgeries. Method A hospital based, randomised and comparative study was performed in total 60 patients divided into 2 groups of 30 each. Thorough preanaesthetic evaluation was done and patients were explained regarding the procedure and taught to assess the intensity of pain using VAS. Group I received 15 ml ropivacaine 0.75 % + 1 g/kg dexmedetomidine epidurally. Group II received 15 ml of 0.75 % ropivcaine + 1g/kg fentany epidurally. Vitals were monitored. Sensory blockade was assessed by pin prick method, motorblockade was assessed by modified bromage scale, sedation was assessed by subjective sedation scale. Result The onset of sensory and motor blockade was faster in group I which were 14.832.01mins. and 18.262.25mins respectively. Total duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged in group I ( 34718.64) as compared to group II (21122.68). Conclusion Addition of dexmedetomidine to epidural ropivacaine produces rapid onset of sensory and motor blockade, prolonged duration of analgesia, less requirementof ropivacaine dose, better hemodynamic stability as compared to fentanyl.