A Comparative Study Between Dexmedetomidine and Fentanyl as Adjuvant with Bupivacaine in Epidural Anesthesia in a Patient Undergoing Total Hip Replacement

Background: After total hip replacement, analgesic demand is very significant due to its link to severe early postoperative pain. Enhancing rehabilitation protocols and pain management strategies has a major influence on the results of the surgery. Aims and Objectives: This study compares the duration of motor block, the time it takes for sensory block to start, the duration of sensory block to start, the adverse effects of drugs in two groups, post-operative analgesia and the amount of time it takes to take the first dose of analgesic needed during the recovery period. Methods: This is a double-blinded randomized and comparative study for which 60 patients were selected out of which 30 patients had in group BD and 30 patients had in group BF. Patients were allocated into 2 groups: groupBD (0.25% bupivacaine 15 ml and dexmedetomidine-1 ml, i.e., 50 micrograms)- 30 patients and group-BF (0.25% bupivacaine 15 ml and fentanyl-1 ml, i.e., 50 micrograms)-30 patients and compared. Results: There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.0001) in the mean length of sensory block, motor block, and mean time commencement of sensory block between the two groups. Conclusion: The study concludes that dexmedetomidine, when used as an adjuvant to epidural bupivacaine, exhibits a quick start of sensory block, a shorter time to reach maximal sensory level, a longer duration of analgesia, and a longer duration of motor blockade than fentanyl.