Addition of dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine in the lumbar plexus block potentiates postoperative analgesia among hip arthroplasty patients: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background Dexmedetomidine is an α2-adrenergic agonist, which prolongs analgesia when administered in neuroaxial and peripheral nerve blocks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine in the lumbar plexus block (LPB) as regards analgesic characteristics and opioid consumption. Materials and methods Fifty patients scheduled for total hip arthroplasty were divided into two groups: group B patients ( N = 25) received LPB with 30 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine and 2 ml of normal saline, while group BD patients ( N = 25) received LPB with 30 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine and dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg diluted in 2 ml of normal saline. Time for first analgesic administration, totally used doses of morphine, pain scores, hemodynamic data, and side effects were recorded. Results Demographic and operative characteristics were comparable between the two groups. The time for first analgesic request was longer in group BD than group B [502 vs. 243 min ( P P P P < 0.001). Conclusion The addition of dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine in LPB prolongs the time for first analgesic requirement and reduces the total postoperative opioid consumption without major side effects.