Comparative Study Between Ropivacaine Alone and Ropivacaine with Tramadol in Different Doses for Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block

Background and Objectives To find minimal and effective dose of tramadol as an adjuvant for brachial plexus block for faster onset of motor, sensory block, and duration of analgesia. Material and Methods This prospective, randomized, comparative, double blind study was conducted on 75 patients undergoing upper limb surgeries under supraclavicular brachial plexus block among three groups of 25 each (Group R, Group RT 1 and Group RT 2). Block was given with 20 mL of 0.5% Ropivacaine + 10 ml NS in Group B, 20 mL of 0.5% Bupivacaine with Tramadol 1 mg/kg and 1.5 mg/kg in 10ml NS in Group BT1 and Group BT2 respectively. Onset of sensory and motor block, duration of analgesia and motor block, side effects associated with tramadol were observed and compared among groups. Observations and results Onset of sensory and motor blockade was significantly faster statistically (p < 0.05) in Group RT2 (11.2 minutes and 6.00 minutes respectively) compared to Group RT1 (13.6 minutes and 9.00 minutes respectively) and Group R (18.8 minutes and 10.5 minutes respectively). Duration of analgesia among groups was significantly longer statistically in Group RT2 (326.20 minutes) compared to other groups. Duration of motor blockade among groups significantly longer in the RT2 (270.8 minutes) compared to Group RT1 and Group R. There were statistically insignificant side effects among groups. Conclusion Tramadol in various doses, as an adjuvant to local anesthetics can be used safely and effectively with insignificant side effects.