Addition of dexmedetomidine to a safe intravenous dose of lidocaine for intravenous regional anesthesia

Background Intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) is a simple and reliable type of regional anesthesia. However, it has some limitations such as tourniquet pain, lack of postoperative analgesia, and local anesthetic toxicity in case of tourniquet malfunction. Various additives to local anesth etics, such as opioids, NSAID, ketamine, and clonidine, are used. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the addition of dexmedetomidine to a safe intravenous dose of lidocaine for IVRA. Patients and methods a total of 50 patients undergoing elective superfi cial hand surgery were assigned into two groups: the L group and the LD group. In the L group, IVRA was achieved using 2 mg/kg lidocaine 2% alone, diluted with saline to a volume of 25 ml. In the LD group, IVRA was achieved using 2 mg/kg lidocaine 2% along with 0.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine diluted with saline to a volume of 25 ml. The motor and sensory block onset and recovery times were assessed. Tourniquet pain and sedation score were assessed intraoperatively and postoperatively. The quality of anesthesia and the duration of analgesia were also recorded. Results Sensory and motor block onset times were shorter and recovery times were prolonged in the LD group. The quality of anesthesia was better in the LD group, and the fentanyl dose required intraoperatively was also lower in the LD group. The duration of postoperative analgesia was longer and the doses of lornoxicam required were lower in the LD group. Conclusion A safe intravenous dose of lidocaine can be used for IVRA for superfi cial hand surgery, and the addition of 0.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine shortened the onset times for both sensory and motor blockade and improved the quality of anesthesia, with prolonged postoperative analgesia time.