Safety and Efficacy of Combined Dexmedetomidine and Bupivacaine versus Bupivacaine Alone in Caudal Block in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Lower Abdominal Surgery

Abstract

Abstract Background Lower abdominal surgeries are one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the pediatric population. Using optimal analgesic regimen provide safe and effective analgesia, reduce postoperative stress response and accelerate recovery from surgery. Regional anesthetic techniques are commonly used to facilitate pain control in pediatric surgical procedures. The most commonly used techniques in pediatrics is caudal block. Objective To evaluate the analgesic effect of dexmedetomidine when given caudally as an adjuvant to caudal block vs bupivacaine alone in caudal block for children undergoing lower abdominal surgeries. Methods The study was conducted on 88 randomly chosen patients in Ain Shams University Hospitals after approval of the medical ethical committee. Patients were divided randomly into two groups; each group consisted of 44 patients. After preoperative assessment and obtaining baseline vital data, all patients received general anesthesia. Group BD who would receive caudal dexmedetomidine and Group B who would receive caudal block with Bupivacaine. Results There was a highly statically significance between groups according to time to first analgesic requirement (hrs). This table show statically significance difference between groups according to number of paracetamol doses in first 24h. While a statically significant difference between the two groups according to PACERO score. The sedation score was higher in group BD compared to group B. Also a statically significance difference between two groups according to FLACC scale at 8h and 12h. The duration of adequate analgesia (FLACC pain score 4 or less) was significantly higher in group BD compare to group B. Conclusion Dexmedetomidine 1 mcg/kg, when used as an adjuvant to caudal anesthesia, can significantly prolong the duration of postoperative analgesia. It is better than bupivacaine alone in caudal block at similar doses in controlling postoperative pain.