Efficacy of dexmedetomidine versus magnesium sulfate as adjuvants to intraperitoneal bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist recognized for its analgesic and sedative properties, which may enhance the duration of action of localized anesthesia. Magnesium is an N-methyl-D-aspartate that might produce hypotension caused by vasodilatation. Aim To assess the efficiency of DEX against magnesium sulfate as an adjuvant to intraperitoneal bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia in individuals having elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients and methods This prospective randomized double-blind work was conducted on 75 participants who planned to have an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Participants were allocated equally into three groups. Group I (bupivacaine group), group II (DEX group), and group III (magnesium group). Results Ramsey sedation scale had been substantially greater in group II and group III, greater contrasted to group I, at PACU, 1 h, and 2 h ( P < 0.05). Ramsey sedation scale was substantially greater in group II and group III, contrasted to group I at 4 h. Bradycardia, hypotension, and length of hospitalization were insignificantly varied among the three groups, and bradypnea was absent in all patients across the three groups. Patient satisfactions were insignificantly varied across the three groups. Numerical rating score measurements at rest were significantly decreased in group II and group III compared with group I. Conclusions DEX and magnesium sulfate served as efficient adjuvants to intraperitoneal bupivacaine for postoperative analgesia for individuals having laparoscopic cholecystectomies than bupivacaine alone. DEX was superior to magnesium sulfate as it provides a more prolonged time to initial rescue analgesia, less opioid consumption, and pain score than magnesium.