Background and Objective: The target of our study compares
the effect of dexamethasone versus dexmedetomidine when
used as adjuvant to bupivacaine for improving the analgesic
effect of spinal anesthesia after lower abdominal surgeries.
Patients and methods: The patients were divided into 3 groups:
Control group [I], in which patients were administered 3 ml
bupivacaine [0.5%] plus 1 ml of saline, Dexmedetomidine
group [II], in which patients were administered 3 ml
bupivacaine [0.5%] plus 10 μg dexmedetomidine in1 ml
saline, and Dexamethasone group [III], in which patients were
administered 3 ml bupivacaine [0.5%] plus 4 mg
dexamethasone in 1 ml saline.
Results: As regarding duration of sensory blockade was
significantly longer in Dexmedetomidine group [II ] and
Dexamethasone group [III] when compared to the Control
group [I] [p-value=0.02] and also as regards to the duration of
motor blockade was significantly longer in Dexmedetomidine
group [II ] and Dexamethasone group [III] when compared
with Control group [I] [p-value=0.02].
Conclusion:
Our
study
perceived
that
intrathecal
dexmedetomidine or dexamethasone as adjuvant to
bupivacaine in spinal anesthesia prolong the duration of
sensory, motor block and improved postoperative analgesia
but dexmedetomidine is superior to dexamethasone.