Dexamethasone and Analgesic Duration After Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Blockade
Dexamethasone and Analgesic Duration After Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Blockade
Patients undergoing surgery of the hand often are treated with a nerve block in the
 shoulder/neck area that provides anesthesia/numbing during surgery. Nerve blocks usually last
 for a few hours after surgery and provide pain relief for this period. It may be possible to
 extend the duration of anesthesia by using a steroid, which has anti-inflammtory properties.
 This study will compare the duration of the nerve block when dexamethasone (steroid) is added
 to the anesthetic injected around the nerve.
Inclusion Criteria:

 1. Patients having unilateral hand or forearm surgery under Supraclavicular brachial
 plexus blockade.

 2. ASA I-III

 3. Age 18-60

 4. BMI < 35

 Exclusion Criteria:

 1. Patients with a known history of hypersensitivity to local anesthetics and
 dexamethasone.

 2. Contra-indication to regional anesthesia/ supraclavicular brachial plexus blockade
 e.g. bleeding diathesis, coagulopathy.

 3. Peripheral neuropathy.

 4. Peptic ulcer disease.

 5. Diabetes Mellitus.

 6. Inability to give informed consent.