Effects of epidural dexmedetomidine on ropivacaine induced epidural anesthesia and post-operative analgesia in women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy: A randomized double-blind control trial

Original Research Article Objective: To find out the effects of addition of epidural dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine on post-operative analgesia, and sensory and motor block characteristics. Methods: Total 78 adult females belonging to ASA status I and II were divided in to two groups; group RS: received 20 ml of 0.75% injection ropivacaine and 1 ml of normal saline, and group RD: received 20 ml of 0.75% injection ropivacaine and 1ml dexmedetomidine through epidural route. Duration of post-operative analgesia, sensory and motor block characteristicswere compared between these two groups. Results: Duration of analgesia was longer in group RD in comparison to group RS (520.82±93.13 vs. 424.61±48.06 minutes, p< 0.0001). Total number of rescue analgesics required per patient was higher in group RS in comparison to group RD (2.76±0.48 vs. 1.61±0.49, p< 0.0001). For both sensory and motor block, onset was faster (for sensory 9.48±1.80 vs.16.48±2.76 minutes; for motor13.51±1.50 vs. 20.05±2.75 minutes respectively) and duration was longer (for sensory 478.46±92.86 vs. 396.66±49.54; for motor 393.33±85.69 vs. 341.79±44.35 minutes respectively) in group RD in comparison to group RS. Conclusion: Addition of dexmedetomidine to ropivacaine via epidural route improves post-operative analgesia.