Comparison of Dexamethasone Versus Dexmedetomidine Added to 0.25 Bupivacaine in Ultrasound-Guided TAP Block for Postoperative Pain Relief in Laparotomy Patients

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of transversus abdominis plane TAP block with different adjuvants to improve pain relief after laparotomy surgery. This study compares the addition of dexamethasone or dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine in patients aged 25 to 65 years with ASA Class I or II status. The goal is to assess which combination provides longer-lasting postoperative analgesia and reduces the need for additional pain medication. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group A receives a TAP block with 18ml of 0.25 bupivacaine plus 2ml of dexamethasone 8mg. Group B receives the same bupivacaine dose plus 2ml of dexmedetomidine 1gkg diluted in saline. The TAP block is administered bilaterally under ultrasound guidance immediately after surgery, using a needle guided between the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles. Patients are monitored for complications like local anesthetic toxicity or hematoma. During the 24-hour postoperative period, patients pain levels will be measured using a Visual Analogue Scale VAS at several time points. If pain is insufficiently controlled VAS 4, rescue analgesia with IV ketorolac will be provided and the time to first rescue dose recorded. Additional assessments include monitoring nausea, vomiting, heart rate, and blood pressure. The primary outcome is the duration until the first request for rescue analgesia, with secondary outcomes focused on pain scores over 24 hours.

"Dexa vs Dexmedetomidine With Bupivacaine in TAP Block for Laparotomy Analgesia