We performed a prospective, randomised, double‑blind study to evaluate the effect of dexmeditomedine added to levobupivacaine on the duration of transversusabdominis plane block.  

Methods: 

Sixty American Society ofAnaesthesiologist‟s physical status I and II patients undergoing electivetotal abdominal hysterectomysurgery under general anaesthesia were randomly allocated to either Group C (control group) or Group D (dexmeditomedine group). Group C (control group) patients were received TAP block on each side using 32ml of study medication, which consisted of 30ml of levobupivacaine 0.25% and 2ml of normal saline. Group D (dexmedetomedine group) patients were received TAP block on each side with 32ml, in which dexmedetomidine 0.5 micrograms/kg was dissolved in 2ml of normal saline and added to 30ml of levobupivacaine 0.25%. The duration of analgesia and level of sedation and complications and sleep diturbanse were evaluated and recorded at 1hr, 4hr, 8hr, 12hrs, and 24hrs. 

Results: 

Demographic and operative characteristics were comparable between the two groups. The time for the first analgesic dose was longer in Group D than Group C 425.95 (18.06) vs. 78.2 (71.07) min, P<0.001) and the total doses of used fentanyl were less among Group D patients in comparison to those in Group C80.35 (19.16) vs.342 (15.89), P<0.001). Visual analog scores were significantly lower in Group D in the first 8 h post-operatively when compared with Group C, both at rest and on coughing (P<0.001). In Group D, lower heart rate was noticed from the induction time and continued for the first 24 h post-operatively. Conclusion: 

Addition of dexmeditomedine to 0.25% levobupivacaine in transversusabdominis plane block significantly prolongs the duration of analgesia.