ABSTRACT : Dexmedetomidine have been the focus of interest for their sedative, analgesic, perioperative sympatholytic and cardiovascular stabilizing effects with reduced anaesthetic requirement. This study is done to know the effects of dexmedetomidine in IVRA

METHODS : ASA Class 1, 60 patients aged 18 to 40years, posted for elective hand and forearm surgeries at Krishnarajendra Hospital attached to Mysore Medical College & Research Institute were divided into 2 groups. 1) Group L (n=30) is the control group (40 ml of 0.5%lignocaine) 2) Group LD (n=30) is the dexmedetomidine group (40ml of 0.5%lignocaine with 0.5µg/kg dexmedetomidine) A randomized list generated and study drug are prepared by personnel blinded to the study. Premedication midazolam 0.15mg/kg is administered IV 45minutes before the surgery. After exanguinating the limb, tourniquet applied and study drug given. The parameters compared in both the group are analgesia, quality of block and hemodynamic changes. The results between the two groups are compared statistically using ‘p’ Value obtained from student ‘t’ test.

RESULTS : Statistically significant decrease is seen in onset of sensory and motor blockade, time to first rescue analgesia and postoperative analgesic consumption and also prolonged tolerance to tourniquet and improved quality of block with group LD seen.

CONCLUSIONS : Dexmedetomidine in IVRA improves the quality of anaesthesia and reduces analgesic requirement