Publication:

Comparison of clonidine and dexmedetomidine as adjuvants for ropivacaine in ultrasound guided transversus abdominis plane block for post caesarean analgesia

Background Transversus abdominis plane block is an important regional anaesthesia technique for postoperative analgesia after caesarean section. Addition of adjuvants to local anaesthetic in TAP block helps in improving the duration of analgesia. Objective of current study was to compare clonidine and dexmedetomidine as adjuvants to 0.2% ropivacaine in USG guided TAP block for duration of postoperative analgesia in caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia.

Methods A total of 75 pregnant patients belonging to ASA I-II scheduled for caesarean section were included and divided into three groups; Group I-0.2% Ropivacaine plus normal saline, Group II-0.2% Ropivacaine plus 50 mcg clonidine and Group III-0.2% ropivacaine plus 50 mcg dexmedetomidine. The patients were compared for duration of analgesia, total       number and amount of rescue analgesia utilized in 24        hours.

Results The mean duration of analgesia was found to be more (statistically significant p<0.05) and number as well as amount of rescue analgesic doses were reduced in group III as compared to group I and group II.

Conclusions Dexmedetomidine is a better alternative to clonidine as adjuvant for 0.2% ropivacaine in USG guided TAP block to extend the duration of postoperative analgesia and decreased 24-hour analgesic requirement in caesarean section.