DEXAMETHASONE (8MG) AS AN ADJUVANT WITH BUPIVACAINE (0.5%) IN EPIDURAL ANAESTHESIA FOR LOWER LIMB SURGERY - A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF 60 CASES

Abstract

Introduction: Surgical Anaesthesia and perioperative Analgesia delivered through an indwelling epidural catheter is a safe and effective method for management of Perioperative pain. We planned to evaluate addition of dexamethasone 8 mg (2cc) to bupivacaine 0.5% plain(16cc) in epidural block in patients undergoing lower limb surgery to study sensory and motor blockade characteristics, postoperative analgesia and side effect profile.

Method & Material: All patients were divided into two groups-group BD(n=30), inj.Bupivacaine (0.5%) plain 16 ml with 2 ml Dexamethasone (8mg) via epidural catheter and Group B(n=30) Inj. Bupivacaine (0.5%) plain 16 ml with 2 ml normal saline via epidural catheter. Assessment of peri-operative pain was evaluated by using visual analogue scale .

Result: Intraoperative pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean blood pressure changes in both Groups show no significant difference. The onset of sensory and motor block was earlier, duration of sensory and motor block was longer, duration of analgesia was longer in Group BD than Group B. There was statistical difference between onset and duration of sensory and motor block between two groups. None of the patients in both the groups required epidural top up dose or show any complications.

Conclusion: Addition of dexamethasone (8mg) to Bupivacaine 0.5% plain (16ml) when given epidurally influence the sensory and motor block by shortening the onset time, early peak effect  and prolonging the  duration of surgical anaesthesia and prolonged analgesia without affecting the other parameters and  no complications perioperatively.