Abstract

The aim of study was to compare the post operative analgesic effect of 0.5% levobupivacaine and 0.5% levobupivacaine mixed with dexamethasone in ultrasound guided popliteal block for below knee surgeries. METHOD – A randomised double blind controlled trial was conducted and patients were allotted with systemic sampling technique in two groups; Group A (Levobupivacaine) and Group B (Levobupivacaine and Dexamethasone). Popliteal block was given under USG guidance. Hemodynamic parameters including HR, NIBP, SpO2 were recorded alongside with onset and duration of sensory blockade were recorded. RESULT – Duration of sensory blockade was longer in Group B (33.5 ± 5.2 hours) compared to Group A (22.4 ± 2.9 hours). Hemodynamic parameters remained stable in both groups. CONCLUSION – The addition of Dexamethasone to Levobupivacaine for ultrasound guided popliteal block results in a significant increase in duration of post operative analgesia and also, the use of ultrasonographic guidance not only improves success rate but it necessarily reduces complications performing block and also the faster onset of sensory and motor block is achieved

Description