A Comparative Study of Dexmedetomidine versus Nalbuphine Used as an Adjuvant to Chloroprocaine for Daycare Surgeries Performed under Subarachnoid Block.

Backgrounds and aims: Nalbuphine or dexmedetomidine when used as an adjuvant to local anesthetic agents may alter the characteristics of subarachnoid block. The study aimed to compare the effect of adding these drugs as an adjuvant to chloroprocaine for spinal anesthesia.

Settings and design: This prospective, randomized, double-blind study was conducted at a tertiary care center.

Materials and methods: After obtaining permission from the institutional ethical committee and informed patient consent, patients scheduled for surgeries under subarachnoid block were randomized into three groups of 50 each: Group C: Injection 1% chloroprocaine 40 mg (4 mL) with 1 mL normal saline, Group DC: injection 1% chloroprocaine 40 mg (4 mL) with dexmedetomidine 10 μg diluted to 1 mL in normal saline, and Group NC: injection 1% chloroprocaine 40 mg (4 mL) with nalbuphine 0.4 mg diluted to 1 mL in normal saline. Onset, peak, duration, and time to complete regression of sensory and motor blockade were noted. Side effects, if any, were noted and managed appropriately.

Statistical analysis: Qualitative data were analyzed using Chi-square test and quantitative data were analyzed using Student's t-test and two-sided Mann-Whitney U-test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Group DC had prolonged time to onset, duration, and complete regression of sensory and motor block compared to Group NC and Group C (P < 0.001). Hemodynamic parameters, sedation score, and side effects were comparable in all groups.

Conclusion: Thus, nalbuphine is a better adjuvant to chloroprocaine than dexmedetomidine when administered intrathecally for daycare surgeries performed under spinal anesthesia.