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Subject Area

Anesthesiology and Intensive Care

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective To study the effect of adding dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine for transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block on the postoperative analgesia following cesarean section performed under spinal anesthesia. Background Cesarean section is frequently associated with a considerable postoperative pain. A significant proportion of pain experienced by patients undergoing abdominal surgeries is related to somatic pain signals that stem from the abdominal wall. Postoperative pain after cesarean section increases analgesic consumption, disturbs bowel function, and prolongs the duration of hospital stay. Patients and methods The present study was conducted on 60 consenting pregnant women scheduled for elective cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia who were randomly allocated into two groups of 30 females. Group 1 received ultrasound-guided bilateral TAP block with 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine with adding 2 ml of normal saline (total 22 ml on each side). Group 2 received ultrasound-guided bilateral TAP block with 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine with the addition of dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg diluted with normal saline to 2 ml. Results The visual analog scale was significantly lower in group 2 than group 1 starting from 10 to 24 h postoperatively (P < 0.05). The time of the first analgesic request was significantly longer in group 2 (P < 0.05). The patient-satisfaction score was significantly higher in group 2 (P < 0.05). Side effects were comparable between groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion The addition of dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine for TAP block is more effective on the postoperative analgesia following cesarean section.

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