Buprenorphine as an adjuvant in supraclavicular brachial plexus block.

Abstract

Background & Aims: Brachial plexus block is a useful alternative to general anaesthesia. Postoperative analgesia is an added advantage. Buprenorphine, an agonist antagonist opioid has been used by various routes to prolong analgesia. The present study was undertaken to assess the analgesic efficacy of Buprenorphine with Bupivacaine in brachial plexus block.Methods: A prospective, randomized, double blind study was done on 60 adult patients of ASA 1 and 2, aged between 18-50 years and scheduled for various upper limb surgeries. Patients were divided into two groups of 30 each. Group C (control group) received 38ml of inj. bupivacaine 0.25% +2ml normal saline and group B (Buprenorphine group) received 38ml of inj. bupivacaine 0.25% +2ml inj. Buprenorphine (preservative free) (0.3 mg). Patients were observed for onset and duration of motor block, onset and duration of sensory block , duration of pain relief and occurrence of any complications.Results: Post operative analgesia was significantly longer (901.33±60.04 min) in group B, as compared to group C (343.00±33.02 min) with p value <0.001. Duration of sensory block in group C was 322.16±31.80 min and in group B  647.83±55.70 min. with p value <0.001.  Pain score was significantly low in group B (mean 1.44), compared to group C (mean 5.60) at 12 hours postoperatively.Conclusion: Addition of Buprenorphine 0.3 mg to 38ml of bupivacaine 0.25% for supraclavicular brachial plexus block prolonged sensory blockade and post-operative analgesia without increasing the risk of adverse effects.