A comparative study of efficacy of levobupivacaine with fentanyl and levobupivacaine with dexmedetomidine in spinal anesthesia for lower limb surgeries

Abstract Background: To enhance anesthesia effects and to reduce side effects, adjuvants are added. Commonly used are fentanyl, dexmedetomidine, and other agents. More studies are required to compare their efficacy in spinal anesthesia for lower limb surgeries. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of levobupivacaine + fentanyl and levobupivacaine + dexmedetomidine in spinal anesthesia for lower limb surgeries. Materials and Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted among 60 cases who underwent elective lower limb surgeries. Patients were divided into two groups of 30 each. Group F was given 0.5% heavy levobupivacaine 2 mL + fentanyl (25 mcg), and Group D was given 0.5% heavy levobupivacaine 2 mL + dexmedetomidine (10 mcg). Hemodynamics, sensory and motor block onset, and duration were compared. Results: Both the groups were comparable for age, body mass index, and American Society of Anesthesiologists grades. The mean systolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure were significantly more in Group D than Group L. The duration of sensory and motor block was similar in the two groups. The incidence of bradycardia, hypotension and nausea/vomiting was comparable. Conclusion: Levobupivacaine with dexmedetomidine and levobupivacaine with fentanyl were found to be equally effective with minimum side effects.