DEXMEDETOMIDINE VERSUS FENTANYL IN LOWER LIMB ORTHOPEDIC SURGERIES: A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION

Abstract

Abstract: opioids and local anesthetics have been the traditional choice in epidural analgesia. However opioids suffer from the issue of side effects and res piratory depression. The use of newer agent like dexmedetomidine is a viable option. The present study was formulated to provide a comparative assessment of whether fentanyl or dexmedetomidine is a better adjuvant for lower limb surgeries in which epidural route is used. The study included a pool of 30 subjects who were divided in two equal groups and administered fentanyl or dexmedetomidine. The results displayed a shorter duration of sensory block and motor block in dexmedetomidine group as compared to fentanyl. The overall efficacy of dexmedetomidine was better in the present study.

Keywords: analgesia, dexmedetomidine, epidural, fentanyl