COMPARISON OF BUPIVACAINE-DEXMEDETOMIDINE VS BUPIVACAINE-FENTANYL VS BUPIVACAINE -SALINE FOR UNILATERAL SPINAL ANAESTHESIA IN LOWER LIMB SURGERY

Introduction: Addition of adjuvants like Dexmedetomidine and Fentanyl to hyperbaric Bupivacaine has been proposed to improve the quality of spinal anaesthesia.

Aims and Objectives: The aim of current study was to compare the effects of adding Dexmedetomidine, Fentanyl and saline to low dose hyperbaric Bupivacaine (1 ml, 0.5%) on the properties of unilateral spinal anaesthesia.

Methods and Materials: 120 patients divided into three groups. The spinal anaesthetic agent in each of the three groups was 1 mL bupivacaine 0.5% (5 mg). In groups BD, BF and BS, 5mcg of Dexmedetomidine, 25mg of Fentanyl and 0.5 mL saline were added, respectively. The duration of the motor and sensory blocks in both limbs and the assessment of pain during 24 h after surgery were noted.

Results: Duration of motor and sensory block were significantly longer in the BF and BD groups than the BS group. Mean total number of rescue analgesic required were less in group BD and BF compared to group BS.

Conclusions: Addition of Dexmedetomidine and Fentanyl to low dose Bupivacaine in unilateral spinal anaesthesia increase the duration of the motor, sensory block and post op analgesia.