Comparison of Postoperative Analgesia amongst Subjects Receiving Ropivacaine and Clonidine versus Ropivacaine Alone: A Hospital Based Study

Postoperative Analgesia

Abstract

Background: Pain is the most common complain causing distress to the patients in immediate postoperative period. Various studies have shown that transverse abdominal plane (TAP) 13 block is effective modality for postoperative pain relief using ropivacaine or bupivacaine. But duration of these blocks with local anesthetics only is limited to few hours. The present study was conducted with the aim to compare the postoperative analgesia amongst subjects receiving ropivacaine and clonidine versus ropivacaine alone.Subjects and Methods:The present prospective and double blinded study involving 70 patients was performed for a period of 2 years at the Department of Anesthesiology. Monitors were attached and baseline (preoperative) heart rate by ECG, systolic and diastolic blood pressure was measured by noninvasive blood pressure monitoring. The duration of postoperative analgesia and complications like nausea, vomiting or any other were noted during the procedure. Student t test was used for statistical analysis and probability value of less than 0.05 was considered as significant.Results:Abdominal Hysterectomy was performed in 4 patients in Group c and 6 patients in Group R. Hernioplasty was performed in 5 patients in Group c and 7 patients in Group R. The mean time for first dose in Group c was 646.83 mins and in group R was 393.43 mins. The mean time for second dose in Group c was 1284.89 mins and in group R was 393.43 mins.Conclusion: TAP block under USG guidance should be used to provide better analgesia in postoperative Period. Adjuvants like clonidine should be used along with local anesthetics for prolongation of analgesic effect of TAP block in post-operative period.