Abstract

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is commonly used for postoperative analgesia in abdominal surgeries. This study was done to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of dexmedetomidine when used as adjuvant to levobupivacaine for TAP block in patients undergoing lower abdominal gynaecological surgery. Methods: A randomised, double-blind trial was conducted in 60 American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) I /II patients of 20–60 years undergoing lower abdominal gynaecological surgery. Patients were randomised to receive a total volume of 20ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine (L group) or 20 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine with 1μg/kg dexmedetomidine (LD group) for performing 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: First rescue analgesic demand was significantly longer in LD group versus L group which was statistically significant. Total analgesics consumption in first 24 h was more in L group compared to LD group which was statistically significant. VAS scores were significantly lower in LD group compared to L group postoperatively. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine, when added to levobupivacaine in TAP block prolongs the time to first analgesic requirement along with reduced total analgesic consumption in postoperative period in lower abdominal gynaecological surgery

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