Comparison of Efficacy of Ropivacine Alone with Tramadol – Ropivacaine Combination in Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block for Upper Limb Surgery

Background and Objectives: Repivacaine, a long acting local anaesthetic, less toxic than bupivacaine is now being used in peripheral nerve blocks. Most commonly adjuvants are used to enhance the quality and duration of anaesthesia and analgesia. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of tramadol as adjuvant to ropivacaine on the quality, duration of anaesthesia and postoperative analgesia in supraclavicular brachial plexus block. Methods: A total of 60 patients of 25 – 60 years were randomly assigned into two groups of 30 each. Group I was given 0.5% Ropivacaine 28 ml with the addition of 2 ml saline. Group II was given the same amount of 0.5% Ropivacaine with the addition of 2 ml Tramadol (100 mg). After aseptic measures supravlavicular bracnial plexus block was administered and study drug was injected. Sensory and motor block were assessed at 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 monitored at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 hours. The first request analgesia time was noted. Results: The onset of sensory and motor block was not different in both groups. The duration of sensory and motor block were significantly prolonged in Group II. Pain scores were lower in Group II but there was no significant difference. Conclusion: Tramadol when used as an additive with ropivacaine provides better anaesthesia and analgesia in peripheral nerve block.