Adding dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine for pain relief after abdominal surgery
Comparison of Pain Relief by Bupivacaine With Dexmedetomidine and Bupivacaine Alone in Transversus Abdominis Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgeries.
This trial will try adding dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine in a TAP block to see if adults having elective abdominal surgery get better pain relief and need less extra pain medicine than with bupivacaine alone.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sheikh Zayed Medical College Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07285083 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, controlled trial at Sheikh Zayed Medical College will enroll 80 adults aged 21–45 undergoing elective abdominal surgery and randomize them to receive an ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block with either bupivacaine plus dexmedetomidine or bupivacaine alone at the end of surgery. Pain will be measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) at multiple time points up to 12 hours postoperatively, with rescue analgesia given if VAS > 4. Secondary outcomes include Ramsay Sedation Score, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and occurrence of side effects such as hypotension, bradycardia, and nausea. Data will be analyzed using SPSS with significance set at p < 0.05 to determine whether adding dexmedetomidine prolongs analgesia or reduces additional analgesic needs without unacceptable side effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 21–45 who are having elective abdominal surgery at the study site and can give informed consent are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have severe allergies to local anesthetics, have pre-existing chronic pain conditions, or are outside the 21–45 age range are not eligible and would not be expected to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding dexmedetomidine could provide longer-lasting pain relief after abdominal surgery and reduce the need for extra opioid or rescue analgesics.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials and meta-analyses of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to local anesthetics for peripheral and TAP blocks have generally shown longer analgesia and reduced opioid use, though they have also reported increased sedation and occasional hemodynamic effects.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age between 21 to 45 years. 2. Undergoing elective abdominal surgery (exploratory laparotomy, ileostomy reversal, laparoscopic/open cholecystectomy, mesh repair of paraumbilical hernias). 3. The patient must be capable of providing informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Pregnancy. 2. Severe allergies to local anesthetics. 3. Pre-existing chronic pain conditions. 4. Participation in another clinical trial within the past 30 days.
Where this trial is running
Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab Province
- Sheikh Zayed Medical College — Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Rameesha Musharaf, FCPS ANESTHESIA (PGR)
- Email: rameeshamusharaf96@gmail.com
- Phone: 0092-334-5038000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.