OPTIMAL DEXEMEDETOMIDINE DOSAGE FOR INTERSCALENE BLOCK IN ARTHROSCOPIC SHOULDER SURGERY FOR INTRA-OPERATIVE SURGICAL CONDITION AND POST-OPERATIVE ANALGESIA

This prospective observational study will be conducted at Kasturba Medical College Hospitals, Mangalore (KMC Attavar, UMC Ambedkar Circle, and Govt Wenlock Hospital) to determine the optimal dose of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant in ultrasound-guided interscalene brachial plexus block for patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery under general anaesthesia.

Adult patients aged 18–60 years, ASA I–II, scheduled for arthroscopic shoulder surgery will be included. Participants will be grouped based on the dose of dexmedetomidine administered in the interscalene block:

• Group A: 0.5 mcg/kg dexmedetomidine
• Group B: 1 mcg/kg dexmedetomidine

The primary outcomes will be intra-operative surgical field condition score and post-operative analgesia assessed using VAS score (including time to first rescue analgesia). Secondary outcomes include hemodynamic parameters (HR, SBP, DBP, MAP) and the requirement of vasopressors (ephedrine/mephentermine) and atropine.

The study aims to identify the dose providing better surgical field conditions, hemodynamic stability, and prolonged post-operative analgesia, thereby improving perioperative outcomes in shoulder arthroscopy.