Comparing Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine-Fentanyl Combination to Fentanyl Alone with Bupivacaine in Spinal Anesthesia for Above-Knee Amputation in Lower Limb Sarcoma Patients

What this Trial Is About

This research evaluates whether adding intrathecal dexmedetomidine to fentanyl provides better pain relief after surgery compared to fentanyl alone. The study focuses on patients undergoing above-knee amputation for lower limb sarcomas, a surgery with a high risk of severe and chronic pain, including phantom limb pain. Effective pain control in this setting is critical for comfort and recovery. Participants will receive spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine combined either with fentanyl plus dexmedetomidine or fentanyl alone. One group gets 2.5 mL of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine with 25 g fentanyl and 5 g dexmedetomidine, while the other receives the same volume with only 25 g fentanyl. This randomized, double-blind study compares these two drug combinations during surgery. During the study, researchers will monitor how long it takes before patients need additional pain medication after surgery, the total morphine used in 24 hours, fentanyl use during surgery, pain levels within 24 hours, and any adverse events. The study is sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Egypt, and aims to improve postoperative pain management for patients undergoing this major surgery.

Intrathecal Dexmedetomidine-Fentanyl Combination Versus Fentanyl Alone as Adjuvant to Bupivacaine in Spinal Anesthesia for Above Knee Amputation in Sarcomas of Lower Extremity