Comparative study of epidural 0.75% ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine and 0.75% ropivacaine alone in lower limb and lower abdominal surgeries

Abstract

Various adjuvants are being used with local anesthetics for prolongation of intra operative and postoperative analgesia in epidural block for lower limb and lower abdominal surgeries. Dexmedetomidine, the highly selective α2 adrenergic agonist is a new neuroaxial adjuvant gaining popularity. The aim of the present study was to compare the hemodynamic, sedative and analgesia potentiating effects of epidurally administered dexmedetomidine when combined with ropivacaine.A double-blind, randomized prospective study was conducted on 60 ASA Grade I and II patients with age group 20-60yrs who were posted for lower limb and lower abdominal surgeries under epidural​ anesthesia. All patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 30 each using computer generated random numbers by simple randomization technique.