Comparative Evaluation of 0.75% Ropivacaine with Ropivacaione 0.75% and Dexmedetomidine in Combined Peripheral Nerve Stimulator Guided Sciatic-Femoral Nerve Block for Lower Limb Surgeries

Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine when added to.75% ropivacane on onset and duration of sciatic-femoral nerve block for lower limb surgeries. Method: 80 patients randomized and allocated in two groups. Sciatic-femoral block was performed using study drug in 32 ml syringe. In Group R patients received sciatic femoral block with 30 ml of ropivacaine 0.75% and 2ml of normal saline (20ml for sciatic and 12 ml for femoral block) whereas in Group RD Dexmedetomidine 2mcg/kg diluted with normal saline to make volume of 2 ml and added to 30 ml of ropivacaine 0.75%. A blind observer recorded the vitals, onset and duration of blockade, hemodynamic alteration, VAS score, requirement of rescue analgesia and complication if any occur. Result: All patients had successful sciatic-femoral block. There were significant difference in onset, duration of sensory and motor blockade, duration of analgesia, VAS score, required amount of rescue analgesic and hemodynamic parameters. Conclusion: Addition of dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine in sciatic-femoral block prolongs the duration of sensory and motor blockade and lesser requirement of rescue analgesic and better hemodynamic stability.