Comparative evaluation of analgesic sparing efficacy between dexmedetomidine and clonidine used as adjuvant to ropivacaine in thoracic paravertebral block for patients undergoing breast cancer surgery: A prospective, randomized, double-blind study.

INTRODUCTION: Thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB) is an effective method for intra- and post-operative pain management in thoracic surgeries. For a long time, various adjuvants have been tried for prolonging the duration of TPVB. OBJECTIVE: In this prospective study, we have compared the analgesic sparing efficacy of dexmedetomidine and clonidine, two α2 adrenergic agonists, administered along with ropivacaine for TPVB for breast cancer surgery patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four breast cancer surgery patients undergoing general anesthesia (GA) were randomly divided into Group C and Group D (n = 44 each) receiving preoperative TPVB at T3-5 level with 0.5% ropivacaine solution admixture with clonidine and dexmedetomidine, respectively. Cancer surgery was performed under GA. Intraoperative fentanyl and propofol requirement was compared. Visual analogue scale was used for pain assessment. Total dose and mean time to administration of first rescue analgesic diclofenac sodium was noted. Side effects and hemodynamic parameters were also noted. RESULTS: Intraoperative fentanyl and propofol requirement was significantly less in dexmedetomidine group than clonidine. The requirement of diclofenac sodium was also significantly less and later in Group D than Group C. Hemodynamics, and side effects were comparable among two groups. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine provided better intraoperative as well as postoperative analgesia than clonidine when administered with ropivacaine in TPVB before breast cancer surgery patients without producing remarkable side effects.

Effect of Clonidine as Adjuvant in Thoracic Paravertebral Block for Patients Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery: A Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Double-blind Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Postoperative pain after breast cancer surgery is unavoidable. Thoracic paravertebral block (TPVB), a locoregional anesthetic technique, has been proven successful for postoperative pain management in different thoracic surgical procedures, such as thoracotomy, breast cancer surgeries. Clonidine, an adjuvant, in TPVB may enhance the quality and prolong the duration of analgesia. This prospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness of clonidine; administered with TPVB; in addition to conventional local anesthetic solution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two patients (25-55 years) scheduled for breast cancer surgery under general anesthesia were randomly divided into Group A (n = 26) receiving preoperative TPVB at T3 with clonidine added to local anesthesia solution and Group B (n = 26) receiving identical TPVB with local anesthesia but without any adjuvant. This was followed by balanced general anesthesia. A visual analog scale was used to assess pain postoperatively up to 48 h. Meantime to administration of the first dose of rescue analgesic was noted. Total dose of fentanyl consumption, hemodynamic parameters, and side effects were all recorded for each patient. RESULTS: The dosage of fentanyl required in the intraoperative period was significantly lower in Group A. Mean time to administration of rescue analgesic was found to be significantly longer in clonidine group. Hemodynamics and side effects were quite comparable among two groups. CONCLUSION: Clonidine as adjuvant in TPVB provided profound analgesia for up to 48 h postoperatively for patients undergoing breast cancer surgery without any appreciable side effects.

Perineural Nalbuphine in Ambulatory Upper Limb Surgery: A Comparison of Effects of Levobupivacaine with and without Nalbuphine as Adjuvant in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block - A Prospective, Double-blinded, Randomized Controlled Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Various opioid additives have been trialed to prolong brachial plexus block. We evaluated the effect of adding nalbuphine hydrochloride to levobupivacaine for supraclavicular brachial plexus blockade. The primary end-points were the onset and duration of sensory and motor blocks and duration of analgesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-eight patients (aged 25-45 years) posted for ambulatory forearm and hand surgery under supraclavicular brachial plexus block were divided into two equal groups (Groups LN and LC) in a randomized, double-blind fashion. In Group LN (n = 39), 30 ml 0.5% levobupivacaine + 10 mg (diluted in 2 ml 0.9% saline) nalbuphine hydrochloride, and in Group LC (n = 39), 30 ml 0.5% levobupivacaine + 2 ml normal saline (0.9%) were administered in supraclavicular block. Sensory and motor block onset times and block durations, time to first analgesic use, total analgesic need, postoperative visual analog scale (VAS), hemodynamics, and side effects were recorded for each patient. RESULTS: Although with similar demographic profile and block (sensory and motor) onset time, sensory and motor block duration and time to first analgesic use were significantly longer and the total need for rescue analgesics was lower in Group LN (P < 0.05) than Group LC. Postoperative VAS value at 24 h was significantly lower in Group LN (P < 0.05). Intraoperative hemodynamics was comparable between two groups, and no any appreciable side effect was noted throughout the study period. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that adding nalbuphine hydrochloride to supraclavicular brachial plexus block increases the sensory and motor block duration and time to first analgesic use, and decreases total analgesic use with no side effects.

Postoperative Sore Throat Prevention in Ambulatory Surgery: A Comparison between Preoperative Aspirin and Magnesium Sulfate Gargle - A Prospective, Randomized, Double-blind Study.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative sore throat (POST) frequently hampers the positive feedback of ambulatory surgery in spite of so many measures. This study was carried out to compare the efficacy of preoperative magnesium sulfate and aspirin gargle in preventing POST after ambulatory surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a prospective, randomized, and double-blinded study. Fifty-six adult patients of either sex, aged 25-50, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II, scheduled for day care surgery, were randomly allocated to Group A ([n = 28] receiving aspirin gargle [325 mg tablet]) and Group M ([n = 28] receiving magnesium sulfate [20 mg/kg] gargle). In both groups, the medications were made into 20 mL of (5% dextrose) solution. Patients were asked to gargle with this mixture for 30 s, 15 min before induction of anesthesia. Episodes of POST were measured at 0, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, and 16 h postoperatively with a four-point scale. RESULTS: Both groups had a similar demographic profile with comparable oxygen saturation, hemodynamics, and consciousness status at immediate postoperative period. Number of patients with sore throat was significantly lower in magnesium group compared to aspirin group at 0 h (P = 0.0376), 2 h (P = 0.0429), 4 h (P = 0.0394) after the operation. POST pain score (visual analog scale) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in magnesium group compared to aspirin group after the operation at 0, 2, 4 h after operation. CONCLUSION: It is evident that preoperative magnesium sulfate gargle significantly attenuated the incidence and severity of POST, especially in the early postoperative period, with no adverse effects in patients undergoing day care surgery under general anesthesia.

The effect of dexmedetomidine added to preemptive (2% lignocaine with adrenaline) infiltration on intraoperative hemodynamics and postoperative pain after ambulatory maxillofacial surgeries under general anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Lignocaine + adrenaline; a local anesthetic agent; frequently used for perilesional infiltration, maintains the stable hemodynamics and decreases the postoperative pain after maxillofacial surgery. α2 agonists have peripheral analgesic effects. This prospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness of perilesional dexmedetomidine administered preincisionally in addition to conventional lignocaine adrenaline combinations for reconstructive maxillofacial surgery in an ambulatory care setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 76, American Society of Anesthesiologists I-II patients scheduled for unilateral traumatic maxillofacial surgeries were randomly allocated into group DL (n = 38) receiving 15 cc of 2% lignocaine + adrenaline (1:200,000) mixed with 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine and group PL receiving 15 cc of 2% lignocaine + adrenaline with normal saline (placebo) via local wound infiltration 5 min prior to skin incision. Perioperative hemodynamics, time to first analgesic use, total analgesic need, bleeding, and side effects were recorded for each patient. RESULTS: Dosage of supplemental propofol; total perioperative, postoperative, and postanesthesia care unit (PACU) fentanyl consumption was significantly lower (P = 0.0001, P= 0.0001, P= 0.0001, P= 0.004, respectively) in dexmedetomine treated group than placebo. Rescue analgesic requirement was significantly earlier in group PL than group DL. Group DL patients suffered from significantly less (P = 0.02) bleeding and surgeon's satisfaction score was also high in this group. Discharge from PACU was significantly earlier in group DL. Intraoperative hemodynamic parameters were significantly lower in group DL (P < 0.05) without any appreciable side effects. CONCLUSION: Thus, prior dexmedetomidine local infiltration at the site of maxillofacial trauma has significantly reduced bleeding from wound site; perioperative fentanyl, propofol consumption, and subsequently ensured earlier discharge from PACU, better surgeon's satisfaction score with better hemodynamic control and lesser side effects.