Investigating the Efficacy of Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant to Local Anesthesia in Brachial Plexus Block: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 18 Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background And Objectives: Dexmedetomidine has been thought to be an effective adjuvant to local anesthetics in brachial plexus blockade. We sought to clarify the uncertainty that still exists as to its true efficacy.

Methods: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted to assess the ability of dexmedetomidine to prolong the duration and hasten the onset of motor and sensory blockade when used as an adjuvant to local anesthesia for brachial plexus blockade versus using local anesthesia alone (control).