Publication:

A comparative evaluation of efficacy of epidural dexmedetomidine and fentanyl as adjunct to 0.2% ropivacaine for post-operative analgesia in elective abdominal surgeries

Background Epidural analgesia as a central nuraxial technique which involves use of local anesthetics injected into the epidural space to produce a reversible loss of sensation and is the one of the most common regional technique used for lover abdominal and lover limb surgeries epidural analgesia provides excellent pain relief for surgical procedures below the umbilicus. This study compared the efficacy of epidural dexmedetomidine and fentanyl in addition to 0.2% ropivacaine for post-operative analgesia in elective abdominal surgeries.

Methods Total of 150 patients American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I and II between 20-60 years, undergoing major abdominal surgery were included in this study. The patients divided in three groups of 50 patients each. First group R (ropivaciain 0.2% 9 ml with 1ml normal saline) second group RF (ropivacain 0.2% 9 ml with fentanyl 1 ml) and third group RD (ropivaciain 0.2% 9 ml with dexmedetomidine 1 μ/kg).

Results There is no significant difference in age, weight, sex, and ASA grade in all three groups.Hypotension was observed in 4 (8%) patients of R group, 2 (4%) in RD group and 4 (8%) in RF group. The shivering was present in 2 (4%) R group and 2 (4%) in RD group.  Nausea, vomiting was present in R group 2 (4%) and 2 (4%) in RF group. There was no significant difference between the three groups with respect to hemodynamic parameters like heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and respiratory rate.

Conclusions Dexmedetomidine is a better adjuvant to ropivacaine through epidural route when compared to fentanyl for providing early onset prolonged post-operative analgesia, sedation and stable hemodynamic parameters in intra-abdominal surgeries.