Comparison between Dexmedetomidine and Clonidine as an Adjuvant to Spinal Anesthesia in Abdominal Hysterectomy

INTRODUCTION Newer -2 agonist agents have opened a new chapter in prolongation of duration of neuraxial block and postoperative analgesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sixty adult patients of ASA grade I-II were randomly divided into two groups of thirty each. Group Dexmedetomidine and group Clonidine. All patients received hyperbaric bupivacaine 0.5 % (heavy) 15 mg intrathecally with dexmedetomidine 10 g and with clonidine 15 g respectively (30 each). Sensory block, motor block, intra-operative hemodynamic changes, two segment regression and total duration of analgesia was assessed. RESULT AND CONCLUSION Onset time of sensory and motor block was shorter in group D compared to group C. Two segment regression time was significantly higher in group D (100.67 17.798 min) as compared to group C (71.167 23.44 min). Total duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged in group D (97.73 27.43 min) as compared to Group C (32.33 21.96 min). Heart rate and mean arterial pressure remained at lower level in both groups but was not statistical significant. It can be concluded that though both clonidine and dexmedetomidine prolonged duration of sensory and motor block of bupivacaine, dexmedetomidine is better in terms of longer duration of action.