Comparative study of dexamethasone versus dexmedetomidine as adjuvants to 0.25% bupivacaine in transversus abdominis plane block for post-operative analgesia in lower segment cesarean section

Background: Effective post-operative pain management is essential for patient comfort and recovery after a lower segment cesarean section (LSCS). Aims and Objectives: This study compares dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine as adjuvants to 0.25% bupivacaine in TAP block for post-operative analgesia...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Padma Amar Vishal, Srikar Madugula, Bhavani P
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara 2025-06-01
Series:Asian Journal of Medical Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://ajmsjournal.info/index.php/AJMS/article/view/4523
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Background: Effective post-operative pain management is essential for patient comfort and recovery after a lower segment cesarean section (LSCS). Aims and Objectives: This study compares dexamethasone and dexmedetomidine as adjuvants to 0.25% bupivacaine in TAP block for post-operative analgesia after LSCS. The objectives are to assess analgesia duration in both groups, compare pain intensity using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores at multiple intervals, evaluate rescue analgesia consumption within 48 h, and analyze patient satisfaction with analgesia. Materials and Methods: A randomized, single-blinded study included 60 parturients (American Society of Anesthesiologists) undergoing LSCS under spinal anesthesia. They were randomized into: Group DEXA: 0.25% bupivacaine (40 mL)+8 mg dexamethasone, Group DEXMED: 0.25% bupivacaine (40 mL)+1 mcg/kg dexmedetomidine. Pain was assessed using VAS at 0, 2, 4, 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48 h. Total analgesia duration, rescue analgesic use, and patient satisfaction were recorded. Statistical analysis used SPSS 2021 (P<0.05 significant). Results: Analgesic duration was significantly longer in DEXMED (24.39±4.14 h) vs. DEXA (15.43±2.81 h, P=0.0001). VAS scores were significantly lower in DEXMED at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 h (P<0.0001). Rescue analgesia use was lower in DEXMED (P=0.0001). Patient satisfaction was slightly higher in DEXMED (P=0.337). Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine provides prolonged analgesia, lower pain scores, and reduced analgesic consumption, making it a superior adjuvant to bupivacaine in TAP block for LSCS pain management.
ISSN:2467-9100
2091-0576