The effect of dexmedetomidine added to preemptive ropivacaine infiltration on post-operative pain after inguinal herniorrhaphy: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Inguinal herniorrhaphy is frequently associated with persistent postoperative discomfort and pain. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of dexmedetomidine added to preemptive ropivacaine infiltration in patients undergoing inguinal herniorrhaphy. METHODS: Fifty-two male patients were randomly assigned to two groups: group RO (n = 26) received 10 ml of 0.2% ropivacaine and group RD received 10 ml of 0.2% ropivacaine with 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine, both applied via local wound infiltration 2 min prior to skin incision. Postoperatively, visual analogue scale pain score (VAS), fentanyl consumption, the frequency at which the patients pushed the button of the patient-controlled analgesia system (FPB), patient satisfaction, and the incidence of side effects were determined and recorded. RESULTS: The visual analogue scale pain scores were significantly lower until 24 hours after surgery, and fentanyl consumption and the FPB were significantly lower in Group RD until postoperative 12 hours compared with that of Group RO. The total amount of fentanyl consumption and the total FPB were significantly lower in Group RD as compared with Group RO. No significant differences were detected between groups in terms of nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, and urinary retention. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that dexmedetomidine added to preemptive ropivacaine infiltration reduces pain during the postoperative period after inguinal herniorrhaphy. Additionally, it is easy to administer, and has no adverse effects.