No abstract

Background and Aims: This prospective, randomized, double blind study was undertaken to establish the effect of addition of dexamethasone as an adjunct to epidural ropivacaine in patients of carcinoma rectum undergoing lower anteriorresection. Materials and Methods: Sixty ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) class I and II patients undergoing lower anterior resection were enrolled to receive either 6mg or 8mg or 10mg of dexamethasone along with epidural ropivacaine to a total of 10ml test solution in each group for epidural analgesia. Hemodynamic parameters, postoperative analgesia, total requirement of rescue analgesia and adverse events were monitored. Results: Analgesia in the postoperative period was better in Group receiving 10mg of dexamethasone associated with less postoperative rescue analgesic consumption Conclusion: Hence, addition of dexamethasone 10mg to epidural ropivacaine can be advantageous with respect to better postoperative analgesia.