Abstract

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block have been used for postoperative pain relief in abdominal surgeries. This trial was done to evaluate the analgesic potency of dexmedetomidine as an additive to levobupivacaine in TAP block in patients after laparoscopic surgery. Methods:A randomised study was done in 60 patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. All patients were randomised to two groups of 30 each. Group L received a total volume of 20ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine and group LD received 20 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine with 1μg/kg dexmedetomidine in bilateral TAP block postoperatively. Time to first rescue analgesic was primary aim of our study. Secondary aims were total analgesic consumption, VAS score, hemodynamic and any complications. Results: Requirement of first analgesic was delayed in LD group versus L group which was statistically significant. Total analgesics(paracetamol) used in first 24 h was more in L group compared to LD group which was statistically significant. VAS scores were low in LD group contrary to L group postoperatively which was statistically significant. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine as adjuvant to levobupivacaine in TAP block prolongs the time to first rescue analgesic request and reduces the total analgesic used in postoperative period in laparoscopic surgery.

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