A RANDOMIZED COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE EFFECTS OF PERINEURAL VS. SYSTEMIC DEXAMETHASONE IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING UPPER LIMB SURGERY WITH ULTRASOUND GUIDED SUPRACLAVICULAR BLOCK USING 0.5% LEVOBUPIVACAINE

Abstract

Background: Postoperative pain not only causes discomfort to the patient but also hinders recovery. The analgesic effect of a single injection of local anaesthetics in single shot supraclavicular brachial plexus (SCBP) block for upper limb surgeries is time limited. Anaesthetists have experimented with various additives, including epinephrine, clonidine, and opioids, but these have shown limited effectiveness and are often accompanied by side effects such as respiratory depression, hypotension, bradycardia, and sedation. Aim & Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of perineural over intravenous administration of dexamethasone as adjuvant to 0.5% levobupivacaine in patients receiving ultrasound guided supraclavicular block for upper limb surgeries.