Dexmedetomidine Versus Fentanyl as Adjuvants to Erector Spinae Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia Following Simple Nephrectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

An independent anesthesiologist randomly divided the patients into 2 groups of 23 patients each using computer-generated random numbers dexmedetomidine group and fentanyl group (Group D and Group F). We discreetly placed the randomization results in envelopes until the end of the study. Both dexmedetomidine and fentanyl are colourless liquids, and they were digitally encoded after being diluted to 2 ml so that the researchers who are responsible for postoperative follow-up and data processing are blinded to the group allocation during the whole study period. All patients are also blinded to the group allocation.

A)Anaesthesia induction:

Standard monitoring procedures will include pulse oximetry, electrocardiography, and noninvasive arterial pressure prior to anesthetic induction. All patients will be premedicated with intravenous (i.v.) midazolam 1-2 mg and antibiotic prophylaxis, according to the hospital's protocol. Anesthesia will be induced with intravenously (IV)-administered propofol 2 mg/kg, fentanyle 1 mic kg following which endotracheal intubation will be facilitated by atracurium 0.5 mg / kg. Anesthesia will be maintained with oxygen, air, and isoflurane using controlled ventilation with closed circuit in order to ensure normocarbia. Regular doses of atracurium 0.25 mg / kg will be given every 20 minutes to ensure proper muscle relaxation. After positioning the patient of the surgery, patients will receive their intervention according to group allocation under sterile conditions.

B)Intervention:

Erector Spinae Plane Block:

Patients will be placed in lateral position with the surgical site upward. A high-frequency linear ultrasound probe will be placed in a longitudinal parasagittal orientation 2.5-3 cm lateral to the T9 spinous process. The erector spinae muscles will be identified superficial to the tip of the T9 transverse process. An echogenic needle needle will be inserted using an in-plane approach and craniocaudally direction. The tip of the needle will be placed into the fascial plane on the deep aspect of the erector spinae muscle. The location of the needle tip will be confirmed by visible fluid spread lifting the erector spinae muscle off the bony shadow of the transverse process on ultrasonographic imaging.

Group D patients: A total of 30 ml Bupivacaine 0. 25%+ 50 mic dexmedetomidine which is diluted to 2ml.

Group F patients : A total of 30 ml Bupivacaine 0.25% + 100 mic fentanyl which is also diluted to 2 ml.

Intraoperativeely

The following parameters will be monitored intraoperatively :

HR and MAP and SpO2 and CO2 will be documented at induction, intubation, surgical incision and every 15 min. till the end of surgery.

• Perflgan 1gm and Ondansetron 0.1 mg/kg will be given at the end of the procedure to all patients.
• Neuromuscular blockade will be reversed with neostigmine and atropine at the end of the procedure.

Post operative

• Postoperative pain will be assessed using an 11-point (0=no pain and 10=worst pain) numeric rating scale (NRS). NRS for pain at rest and when coughing will be assessed serially at 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 h after surgery. The assessor and the patients will be unaware of the type of intervention received.
• Rescue analgesics will be administered when NRS ≥4 or when the patient complains of pain. In the firm of the nalbuphine 0.1 mg /kg
• Time for first analgesic request will be recorded. The duration of analgesia will be evaluated as the time from block administration to the time of first analgesic. Total doses of rescue analgesics required in the first 24 h will be recorded.
• The presence of postoperative nausea and vomiting during the first 24 h will be recorded. Postoperative nausea or vomiting will be treated with 0.1 mg/kg of ondansetron. If the patient did not respond to ondansetron, then dexamethasone 8 mg or metoclopramide 10 mg will be given IV. Occurrence of any complications such as haematoma, bleeding, local anesthetic systemic toxicity, pneumothorax and allergic reactions will also be observed.

Inclusion criteria

• Age >18 years old Both sex patients who are American society of Anesthesiologists class I or

Exclusion criteria

• Patient's refusal.
• body mass index (BMI) ≥40 kg/m2.
• Local infection at site of block.
• Spine deformities
• History of hypersensitivity to the drugs being evaluated
• Inability to comprehend postoperatively the pain assessment scale/neuropsychiatric disorders.
• Chronic use of opioids and opioid addiction