A Comparative Study of Efficacy of Plain Ropivacaine With Ropivacaine and Clonidine for Postoperative Caudal Analgesia in Paediatric Patients

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy of plain ropivacaine 0.25% with that of ropivacaine 0.25% and clonidine 2µg/kg for post-operative analgesia caudally in paediatric patients undergoing subumblical surgeries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 50 paediatric patients aged between 2-9 years of ASA-I and II, divided into two groups. After giving GA, caudal block is performed in both the groups for post-operative analgesia. Group A receiving plain ropivacaine 0.25%, Group B receiving ropivacaine 0.25% and clonidine 2µg/kg, duration of analgesia, requirement of rescue medication, sedation score, hemodynamic effects and any adverse effects are compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Mean duration of analgesia in Group A is 484.04 minutes, In Group B with addition of clonidine is 771.12 minutes. No of doses of rescue medication required Group A 12 patients required single dose and 2 doses in 8 patients, In Group B 7 patients required single dose and one patient required 2 doses. CONCLUSION: Clonidine as an adjunct to ropivacaine prolongs the duration of analgesia decrease the need of postoperative rescue analgesia with stable hemodynamics.