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NCT Number: NCT07842861

Morphine Versus Dexmedetomidine as Adjuvants to Bupivacaine in TAP Block in Lower Abdominal Surgeries

This study aimed to ascertain the safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine in comparison to morphine as adjuvants to bupivacaine during transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in postoperative pain management in adult patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery.

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Key information

Conditions

Morphine Adjuvants Bupivacaine Dexmedetomidine Lower Abdominal Surgeries Transversus Abdominis Plane Block

Age range

18 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Cairo University

Cairo, 12613, Egypt

About this study

Postoperative pain is a significant contributor to higher morbidity, patient discomfort, and extended hospital stays.

The ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block has become more popular than systemic analgesics for reducing pain following abdominal surgery.

A plethora of adjuvants, including but not limited to morphine, fentanyl, and dexmedetomidine, have been incorporated into various regimens of TAP block, yielding disparate outcomes.

The use of alpha-2 agonist dexmedetomidine has been sanctioned for its application as an adjuvant in the management of pain and as a venous sedative.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Age from 18 to 60 years.
  • Both genders.
  • Classified according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA) classification system as I-II.
  • Body mass index (BMI) of less than 30.
  • Patients scheduled to undergo elective surgical procedures on the lower abdominal region.

Exclusion criteria

  • Patients with hypersensitivity to the utilized pharmaceutical agents.
  • Mental disorders.
  • Serious pulmonary or cardiac disease.
  • Severe renal insufficiency.
  • Coagulopathy.
  • Infection at the injection site.

Treatment and study plan

Transversus abdominis plane block + Dexmedetomidine

Drug

Patients received transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block with bupivacaine 0.25% plus a dose of 1 µg/kg of dexmedetomidine.

Morphine

Drug

Patients received a dose of 10 mg of morphine.

Primary outcomes

  1. Duration of analgesia

    Time frame: 24 hours postoperatively

    Duration of analgesia was defined as the time interval from the end of the surgical procedure to the administration of the initial dose of morphine.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Total opioid dose required

    Time frame: 24 hours postoperatively

    The total morphine consumption in the initial 24 hours following the surgical procedure was recorded.

  2. Degree of pain

    Time frame: 24 hours postoperatively

    Degree of pain was was conducted using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for each patient. The numerical value assigned to each category on the VAS scale is as follows: 0 represents "no pain," while 10 represents "the worst pain imaginable." In the post-anesthesia care unit, the VAS was assessed at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 hours after surgery.

  3. Incidence of adverse events

    Time frame: 24 hours postoperatively

    Incidence of adverse events such as bradycardia, hypotension, respiratory depression, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were recorded.

  4. Degree of patient satisfaction

    Time frame: 24 hours postoperatively

    The degree of patient satisfaction was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (extremely dissatisfied) to 5 (extremely satisfied).

Interested in participating?

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Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Cairo University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Study Between Morphine and Dexmedetomidine as Adjuvants to Bupivacaine in TAP Block in Lower Abdominal Surgeries: A Randomized Double-Blinded Clinical Study

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Sep 25, 2026
Registry last updated
Sep 25, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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