A Hospital Based Randomized Comparative Assessment of the Effect of Fentanyl and Tramadol as an Adjuvant to Ropivacaine in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

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Abstract (English)

Abstract
Aim: The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of fentanyl and tramadol as an
adjuvant to ropivacaine in supraclavicular brachial plexus block.
Methods: This prospective, randomized double-blind study was conducted in the Department
of Anaesthesiology at AIIMS, Patna, Bihar, India for six months. After obtaining approval
from the ethical committee of the Institute, an informed written consent was obtained from all
the patients undergoing the study. 100 patients of either sex aged 20-60 years, belonging to
ASA physical status I or II undergoing upper-arm surgery were recruited for this study.
Results: There was no statistically significant difference among the two groups in
demographic characteristics. Majority of study participants were males but there is no
statistical difference among two groups. The demographic status and data before the block
were comparable among two groups (P > 0.05). Mean ± standard deviation for onset of
complete sensory block prolonged from group RT (17.59 ± 1.07 min) and to Group RF
(20.14 ± 1.50min). There was statistically significant difference in onset of complete sensory
block among the groups RF p < 0.001. Mean ± standard deviation for onset of complete
motor block prolonged from Group RT (18.6 ± 1.86min) to group RF (n ¼ 21, 25 ± 1.50min).
Conclusion: In conclusion, tramadol when used as adjuvant with local anaesthetic in
peripheral nerve block provides better surgical anaesthesia and analgesia. Therefore, its use
should be promoted for routine addition to local anaesthetics in peripheral nerve blocks