Randomized controlled trial of fentanyl and tramadol as adjuvants to lignocaine for intravenous regional anesthesia for upper limb surgery

Abstract

Background and Aims: Intravenous regional Anesthesia is safe,simple and cost effective compared to general anesthesia for upper limb surgeries and provides bloodless field. Aim-To compare the duration of postoperative analgesia and associated complications between IVRA with lignocaine-Fentanyl and Lignocaine-Tramadol.Methods: In this Randomized controlled trial, 60 Patients in age group 20-60 years of ASA 1 and 2 undergoing surgeries of upper limb were selected. Postoperative analgesia was analysed by VAS Score and complications during first 24 hours were analysed. Mean duration of analgesia was also assessed. 0.5% lignocaine 40 ml + Fentanyl 0.1 mcg/kg (Group A) and 0.5% lignocaine 40 ml + Tramadol 1 mg/kg (Group B) were given to patients randomly assigned in two groups. Pulse rate, blood pressure, ECG, Oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, visual analog scale, time of first analgesic and total number of analgesics in 24 hours and any associated complications were noted throughout the procedure. Descriptive results were expressed as mean and SD. P value <0.05 was considered significant and P value < 0.01 was considered highly significant.Results: Group B (p<0.001) had greater duration of analgesia compared to group A. Group A (p<0.001) had higher mean additional dosage requirement of analgesics.Conclusion: Tramadol had significantly longer postoperative analgesia as compared to fentanyl added to lignocaine for upper limb surgery.