Evaluation of buprenorphine as an adjuvant to 2% lidocaine during intravenous regional anaesthesia

Background: Intravenous regional anaesthesia (IVRA) is a simple, effective method of anaesthesia for surgical procedures on the extremities. Major limitations are tourniquet pain, short duration of block and absence of post-operative analgesia. Buprenorphine is known to improve the quality of anaesthesia. Aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of buprenorphine as an adjuvant to lignocaine in IVRA. Methods: Sixty patients between 18-60 years age, belonging to the ASA grade 1, 2 undergoing upper limb surgeries were enrolled into the study. Patients belonging to group BL patients received 10 ml of preservative free lidocaine 2% diluted to 40 ml. Group BB-patients received 10 ml of preservative free lidocaine 2% mixed with 60 mcg of buprenorphine diluted to 40 ml. Onset of sensory and motor block; recovery time and postoperative analgesia were noted. Data were analyzed using chi-square test, independent ‘t’ test. Results: The onset time of both sensory and motor block were significantly shortened, the recovery of sensory and motor block was prolonged, the incidence of tourniquet pain was comparatively lesser and there was significantly increased duration of post-operative analgesia in the buprenorphine group. Haemo-dynamic parameters were similar in both groups Conclusions: Sixty mcg buprenorphine as an adjuvant to lidocaine in IVRA effectively enhances the anaesthesia and post-operative analgesia.