Effects of Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant to Hyperbaric Bupivacaine for Spinal Anaesthesia in Adults Undergoing Elective Infra-umbilical Surgery

Introduction: Various adjuvants to local anaesthetic are used to improve quality and duration of spinal anaesthesia. Dexmedetomidine, a novel alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, has been proposed to augment local anaesthetic effects. This study aims to investigate effects of intrathecal Dexmedetomidine on duration of analgesia and duration of sensory block during spinal anaesthesia. Methods: In this randomized double-blind study 38 patients were allocated into each of two groups. Otherwise healthy patients (18 to 75 years) scheduled for inguinal hernia repair or vaginal hysterectomy were included. For spinal anaesthesia, Group A received 2.5 ml hyperbaric Bupivacaine 0.5%, whereas Group B received five micrograms intrathecal Dexmedetomidine in addition. Characteristics of sensory and motor blocks, duration of analgesia, analgesic requirements, and side effects were studied for 24 hours. Student’s t-test for quantitative variables and Chi- squared test for qualitative variables were used for statistical analysis. Results: Duration of analgesia was prolonged in Group B (326 min ±91) as compared to 217 min ±98 in Group A (P value