Abstract :
Background and Aims: Ultrasound guided transversus abdominis plane block is an efficacious abdominal field block. The aim was to determine the effect of adding dexamethasone to 0.375% ropivacaine on the analgesic duration of TAP block in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgeries.
Materials and Methods: A double blinded randomised control study conducted on 60 patients, 30 in each group. Group A: 0.375% ropivacaine (19 ml) with dexamethasone 4mg (1 ml) total 20ml each side.
Group B: 0.375% ropivacaine (19 ml) with normal saline (1 ml) total 20ml each side in TAP block after lower abdominal surgery. Primary objective, to compare the duration of postoperative analgesia provided by the block and secondary objectives to compare the total amount of rescue analgesia required in first 24 h postoperatively and any side effect of ropivacaine in TAP block. Numeric rating scale scores used to assess
pain between the two groups. Ethical committee approval was obtained.
Results: Duration of analgesia was significantly longer in group A with time of first analgesia need (12.44±1.60 h) compared to group B (10.69± 1.79 h), P
4 hr postoperatively.
Conclusion: Addition of dexamethasone to ropivacaine in TAP block significantly prolongs the duration of postoperative analgesia.
Keyword :
Dexamethasone, Ropivacaine, Transversus abdominis plane block, Ultrasound.