Publication:

A comparative evaluation of dexmedetomidine and fentanyl with ropivacaine (0.75%) for epidural anesthesia in lower limb orthopedic surgery

Background The aim of the study was to compare sensory and motor block characteristics, sedation score, post-operative analgesia and hemodynamic changes following epidural ropivacaine 15 ml (0.75%) supplemented with either dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg) or fentanyl (1 µg/kg) in lower limb orthopedic surgery.

Methods The study was conducted in 60 patients of either sex belonging to ASA status I , II or III, aged 20 to 60 years undergoing lower limb orthopedic surgeries. In this prospective, randomized controlled study patients were divided into two different groups. Group RD receiving dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/kg+15 ml ropivacaine (0.75%) and group RF receiving fentanyl 1 mcg/kg+15 ml ropivacaine (0.75%). Each group included 30 patients.

Results The onset of sensory analgesia at shin of tibia was significantly early with dexmedetomidine (251.7±131.9 secs) as compared to fentanyl (503±63 secs) and similarly the onset of motor block was significantly early in group RD (533±239.6 secs) as compared to group RF (712.66±90.25 secs). Time for complete motor blockade was also significantly faster with group RD (57.1±5.1 mins) as compared to (61.5±3.2 mins) in group RF. The mean time for two segment regression was 274.3±43.6 mins in group RD, while 243.2±19.2 mins in group RF which was statistically significant (p<0.05). The decrease in heart rate, systolic, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial blood pressure was significantly more in group RD as compared to RF.

Conclusions Addition of dexmedetomidine to epidural ropivacaine produces rapid onset of sensory and motor blockade, prolonged duration of analgesia, with better hemodynamic stability as compared to fentanyl, hence being a useful alternative adjuvant.