COMPARISON OF DEXMEDETOMIDINE AND BUPRENORPHINE AS AN ADJUVANT TO ROPIVACAINE IN EPIDURAL ANAESTHESIA FOR LOWER ABDOMINAL SURGERIES

Abstract

Background: This study was done to compare the effects of buprenorphine and
dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to ropivacaine in epidural route for lower abdominal
surgeries especially hernia surgeries. Sixty patients between 18 to 60 years of both gender of
ASA status I and II scheduled for elective hernia surgeries satisfying the inclusion and
exclusion criteria were selected randomly allocated into 2 groups as Group A and Group B.
The were investigated for RBS, RFT, LFT, CBC, Platelet count, CXR & 12 lead ECG.
Group A received dexmedetomidine (0.5ml) (50mcg) with 0.5ml sterile normal saline 15 ml
of 0.75% ropivacaine through epidural catheter. Group B received buprenorphine 0.5ml
(150mcg) with 0.5ml sterile normal saline with 15 ml of 0.75% ropivacaine through epidural
catheter. Before commencement of the procedure, patients were instructed on the method of
sensory and motor assessments. After adequate sensory blockade (T10) patient was
positioned for surgery. Intraoperatively assessment of sensory and motor blockade was done
at the end of each minute after injecting 16 ml of the study drug. The onset time for the
sensory and motor blockade and the duration of sensory and motor blockade were recorded.
Vitals parameters were observed throughout the procedure till 24 hours. In our study, the time to onset of sensory blockade was faster in buprenorphine group (mean time=7.87 minutes) than in dexmedetomidine group (mean time=8.73 minutes). The time to onset of motor blockade was faster in buprenorphine group (mean time= 10.3 minutes) than in dexmedetomidine group