Comparison of analgesic efficacy of dexamethasone versus tramadol as adjuvant to ropivacaine for oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block in open cholecystectomy

Abstract

Background: “Oblique subcostal” transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a combination of rectus abdominis and TAP block which is currently used in a wide variety of abdominal procedures. Dexamethasone and tramadol are both used as adjuvants in several blocks for improving efficacy and prolonging analgesia. The present study was intended to compare both these drugs along with ropivacaine in ultrasound-guided subcostal TAP block following open cholecystectomy. Materials and Methods: The present prospective, randomized, and double-blind study was conducted in 60 adult patients of either sex undergoing open cholecystectomy. The patients were randomized into two groups; Group D (n = 30) and Group T (n = 30). Former received 18 ml of 0.75% ropivacaine with 2 ml (8 mg) of dexamethasone whereas latter received 18 ml of 0.75% ropivacaine with 2 ml (25 mg/ml) of tramadol through right-sided ultrasound-guided oblique subcostal TAP block after the induction of general anesthesia following standard protocol. Postoperative pain at rest and knee flexion as per visual analog scale (VAS) score, time for first and second rescue analgesia, total tramadol consumption in 24 h, sedation and nausea score, and quality of healing at discharge were noted. Results: Requirement for first and second rescue analgesia was similar in two groups but overall 24 h tramadol consumption was less in Group D. VAS score was similar in two groups except at 4 and 24 h. None of the patients were sedated, but nausea score was less in Group D. The quality of wound healing was good in both groups. Conclusion: The addition of 8 mg dexamethasone or 50 mg tramadol as adjuvants to ropivacaine is effective and safe drugs to administer in TAP block for postoperative analgesia following open cholecystectomy.