Comparative study of epidural morphine and epidural dexmedetomidine used as adjuvant to levobupivacaine in major abdominal surgery

Background
A lot of researches have been done to find an adjuvant in regional anesthesia that inhibits pain without any side effects.
Aim
This study was conducted to evaluate the onset, extent and duration of sensory and motor block, and side effects of morphine and dexmedetomidine when used as adjuvants to levobupivacaine in epidural anesthesia in major abdominal surgery.
Materials and methods
A prospective randomized study was conducted on 60 patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists status I and status II who underwent abdominal surgery. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups; group I levobupivacaine morphine group (LM), group II: levobupivacaine dexmedetomidine group (LD), comprising of 30 patients each. Group I patients received 20 ml of 0.5% levobupivacaine (150 mg) and 0.005 % morphine. Group II patients received 20 ml of 0.5% levobupivacaine and 1.5 μg/kg dexmedetomidine. The onset, extent and duration of sensory and motor blocks, abdominal muscle relaxation, and side effects were recorded.
Results
There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups as regards onset of sensory block or sensory level achieved. Time to reach motor block was shorter in the LM group than the LD group. There were no significant differences between the time of total regression of sensory or motor black and abdominal muscle relaxation. As regards side effects, more patients in the LM group suffered from pruritis and more patients suffered from dry mouth in the LD group.
Conclusion
Dexmedetomidine is a good alternative to morphine as an adjuvant to levobupivacaine in epidural anesthesia in major abdominal surgeries.