Comparison Between Dexmedetomidine Plus Bupivacaine and Simple Bupivacaine for Post-Operative Pain Relief Among Pregnant Women Undergoing Cesarean Section Under Spinal

Objective: To compare the effects of Bupivacaine plus dexmedetomidine versus Bupivacaine in terms of postoperative pain relief in c-section patients under spinal anesthesia. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial study Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Department of Anesthesiology / ICU, DHQ Teaching Hospital Gujranwala from August-21 to September 22. Methods: After Hospital Ethical Committee approval, 60 eligible inpatients were enrolled. Group D received 1.5 ml of hyperbaric 0.75% bupivacaine plus 1 ml of dexmedetomidine (10 mcg/ml), while Group B received only 1.5 ml of hyperbaric bupivacaine. The first analgesic requirement, pain intensity, vitals, and side effects were recorded. Analgesia was given only if pain was reported: paracetamol 1g IV for mild pain, ketorolac 30 mg IV for moderate pain, and nalbuphine 4-6 mg IV for severe pain. Results: The mean patient age was 25.77 ± 5 years. In Group D (n=30), 6 (20%) required ketorolac 30 mg IV, 15 (50%) needed paracetamol 1 g IV, and 9 (30%) required no analgesia within 120 minutes postoperatively. In Group B (n=30), 9 (30%) required nalbuphine 4-6 mg IV, 6 (20%) needed ketorolac, 8 (27%) required paracetamol, and 7 (23%) required no analgesia. The Chi-square test showed no significant difference in comorbidities (p=0.44) or baseline HR, DBP, SBP, and MAP (p>0.05). However, HR, DBP, SBP, and MAP differed significantly between groups throughout the study (p<0.001). Conclusion: The use of dexmedetomidine with Bupivacine significantly reduce the need of analgesia as compared to Bupivacaine alone.