Comparision of ropivacaine alone and with dexmedetomidine in bilateral superficial cervical plexus block (BSCPB) for postoperative analgesia in thyroid surgeries: A prospective double blind study

Abstract

Introduction: Superficial cervical plexus block is a mode of regional anaesthesia that is being used to provide intraoperative and postoperative analgesia for operations involving the neck including thyroid surgery. This study was done to assess the analgesic efficacy of ropivacaine (0.2%) with or without dexmedetomidine (1µg/kg) in bilateral superficial cervical plexus block (BSCPB) after completion of thyroid surgery. Methods : This prospective study was conducted on 60 patients of ASA I-II, both sex, aged 18 to 60 yrs, who underwent thyroid surgeries under general anaesthesia. After completion of surgery they received BSCPB, by randomly divided into 2 groups (30 patients each): Group R – BSCPB using 0.2% ropivacaine (19ml) + 1 ml NS. Group RD – BSCPB using 0.2% ropivacaine (19ml) +dexmedetomidine (1µg/kg) +NS to make 20 ml solution, 10 ml were injected on each injection site. Vital Parameters, the cumulative consumption of rescue analgesic and VAS score were recorded on rest (R) at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24 hours postoperatively. Results : Pain intensity using VAS score was significantly low in Group RD (at 0, 4 and 6 postoperatively) hrs as compared to Group R (P=0.013). The total rescue analgesic consumption was more in Group R(413.33±62.88mg) as compared to Group RD (370.00±53.50mg), (p<0.001). Mean Ramsay Sedation Score was significantly higher in Group RD as compared to Group R (P=0.015). Conclusion: We conclude that dexmedetomidine in dose of 1 µg/kg may be used as an adjuvant to 0.2% ropivacaine for bilateral superficial cervical plexus block for thyroid surgeries, so as to prolong postoperative analgesia without added problems apart from low grade sedation.