A Comparative Study of Intrathecal Isobaric Ropivacaine with Different Doses of Clonidine in Lower Extremity Surgery

Aim: To compare the clinical effects of combined doses of Ropivacaine and Clonidine.Material and Methods: Ninety patients between 20-60 years, ASA I and II category who were posted for lower limb surgery were included in the study with informed consent and were randomly assigned to three groups.Group Ropivacaine 15 mg (Group R), Group Ropivacine 15mg+Clonidine15 µg (Group R-C15), Group Ropivacaine 15mg + Clonidine 30 µg (Group R-C30).Intraoperative hemodynamics, onset and duration of sensory and motor block, analgesia and adverse effects were noted.Results: There was no significant difference in onset and quality of sensory and motor block in all three groups.Groups R-C15 and R-C30 had prolonged duration of sensory and motor block as compared to group R. Time for regression of sensory block upto L1 dermatome was significantly prolonged in Groups R-C15 and R-C30 as compared to group R. Mean duration of complete and effective analgesia was in the order Group R-C30>Group R-C15>Group R and the difference was statistically significant.Conclusion: Addition of clonidine15 µg and 30 µg to intrathecal ropivacaine produces dose dependent increase in the duration of sensory and motor blockade as well as duration of analgesia without affecting hemodynamics or safety.