European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study is to compare post-operative analgesic efficacy of 0.25% bupivacaine vs 0.25% bupivacaine with dexmedetomidine in transversus abdominis plane block for postoperative caesarean section.
Methodology: Prospective randomized double blinded experimental study was conducted among 60 patients posted for elective caesarean section surgery and were divided into two equal groups. Group B patients received 20ml of 0.25% Bupivacaine and Group BD patients received 20ml of 0.25% Bupivacaine with 50 mcg Dexmedetomidine. Visual Analogue Score was used to determine the pain at rest during postoperative period. The time of requirement of rescue analgesia during postoperative period was also assessed.
Results: The demographic variables such as age and sex were comparable between the two groups.VAS at rest was significantly reduced in group BD (p<0.05). Duration of analgesia was significantly prolonged in group BD when compared to group B with significant P value <0.05. Rescue analgesic consumption in 24 hours during postoperative period was significantly decreased in group BD (p<0.05). Intraoperatively the heart rate, systolic and diastolic bp was comparable between both the groups. Postoperatively there was a significant fall in heart rate systolic and diastolic bp in the group BD when compared to group B with a P value <0.05.
Conclusion: In this study we observed that Dexmedetomidine, in combination with bupivacaine when given for TAP block provided excellent postoperative analgesia, extending upto more than 12 hours. Dexmedetomidine seems to decrease postoperative analgesic consumption and improve pain scores.