Adding dexmedetomidine versus dexamethasone to an ultrasound-guided TAP block for pain after lower abdominal surgery
Comparison of Mean Duration of Post Operative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Lower Abdominal Surgeries Receiving US Transversus Abdominis Plane Block (TAP) With Bupivacaine and Dexmetomidine vs Bupivacaine nd Dexmethasone
This trial will try two medicines, dexmedetomidine or dexamethasone, added to an ultrasound-guided TAP block to see which gives longer pain relief after lower abdominal operations.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Islamabad, Federal) |
| Trial ID | NCT07508202 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery who receive an ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block will be given one of two adjuvants—dexmedetomidine or dexamethasone—added to the local anesthetic. The study compares postoperative pain duration, pain scores, and analgesic requirements between the two groups. Eligible participants are ASA I–II adults with BMI 25–35 kg/m2 having lower abdominal procedures below the L2–L3 level, while those with infection at the block site, coagulopathy, or on antiplatelet therapy are excluded. The trial is conducted at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults ASA I–II with BMI 25–35 kg/m2 undergoing lower abdominal surgery below the L2–L3 level who can receive an ultrasound-guided TAP block.
Not a fit: Patients with infection at the planned block site, known coagulopathy, current antiplatelet therapy, or those having different types/levels of abdominal surgery may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the better adjuvant could provide longer post-operative pain relief and reduce the need for opioid pain medicines.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that both dexmedetomidine and dexamethasone can prolong peripheral nerve and fascial plane block duration, though direct head-to-head comparisons specifically in TAP blocks are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ASA I and ASA II BMI 25-35 kg/m2 Lower abdominal surgeries below L2-L3 leves Exclusion Criteria: * Infection at block site Coagulopathy Antiplatelet
Where this trial is running
Islamabad, Federal
- Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad — Islamabad, Federal, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Department of Anesthesia Principal Investigator
- Email: departmentofanesthesiapims@gmail.com
- Phone: +92-333-5236956
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.