ABSTRACT: Various adjuvants are being used with local anesthetics for prolongation of intraoperative and postoperative analgesia. Dexmedetomidine, a new highly selective α2-agonist drug, is now being used as a neuraxial adjuvant.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the onset and duration of sensory and motor block, hemodynamic effect, postoperative analgesia, and adverse effects of dexmedetomidine given intrathecally with hyperbaric 0.5% bupivacaine.

METHODS : Sixty patients scheduled for lower limb surgeries were randomly allocated to receive either 12.5mg hyperbaric bupivacaine with normal saline (Group B) or 12.5mg hyperbaric bupivacaine with 5ug dexmedetomidine in normal saline (Group D). The onset time to reach peak sensory and motor level, the regression time of sensory and motor block, hemodynamic changes, and side effects were recorded.

RESULTS : Will be presented at the time of the presentation as the study is still going on.

CONCLUSIONS : Will be presented at the time of the presentation as the study is still going on.